F1 personnel had the chance to experience the sights and sounds of the Buddh International Circuit, India for the first time on Thursday and the response was largely a positive one. Despite a few teething troubles that included a staircase seemingly leading nowhere and the wildlife inhabiting paddock buildings, the track itself appears to offer a unique challenge to drivers.

McLaren's Jenson Button sounded pleased following an initial look at the circuit layout.

"They have done a really good job, the entry to corners look good. The turns are wider and there will be chances of overtaking even at the turn."

Meanwhile Fernando Alonso was keen to compare his practice simulator times to the realities of practice on Friday.

"The last sector looks very different, it looks very quick".

Although India has a population of over one billion people, reaction from local fans has been somewhat muted, with organisers this week slashing the price of entry in order to encourage another 40,000 fans into their brand new grandstands on Sunday.