Indian GP: preview

Some say, a stray dog ran all over the track and that bats haunted the media centre...all we know is, the Indian GP is finally here.

What with the power cuts and the dust and the BATS IN THE MEDIA CENTRE, you'd think the first ever race in India at the Buddh circuit would be a disaster. Far from it, actually, with initial reports from drivers saying the track is rather smashing*.

It all kicks off this weekend, not that there's anything to play for, mind. Sebastian Vettel has wrapped up the drivers championship, while Red Bull have swiped the constructors crown.

But, on a circuit that's new, dusty, unfamiliar and full of BATS, anything can happen. So have a click through for some colourful pictures to set the scene, cunningly juxtaposed with Twitter musings from those in F1.

*Except of course, Lewis Hamilton, who, at the time of writing, has been handed a three-place grid penalty for ignoring double-waved yellow flags

"Do we need to start panicking that we've already had 2 power cuts in the TV compound here in India?? Live TV and no power is a bad mix..!"

@jakehumphreyf1

"Looking forward to India :) I hope this time I take some points. Rrrrr"

@vitalypetrov10

"Just got back from the track, It still looks a bit dirty but the circuit seem to be quick and nice. Good..."

@Sebastien_buemi

(Editor's note: the above image does not represent Sebastien Buemi)

"So much love and support from the marshalls, fans and media today !! Amazing..."

@karunchandhok

"Spent the last couple of days in New Delhi training, chilling and eating! and I must say the food is amazing!! Happy Diwali everyone!"

@JensonButton

"Got to India yesterday, had such a great reception from everyone...love it here!"

@LewisHamilton

"very nice track here in India. dirty but pretty normal for a new track"

@rubarrichello

"The indian track is awesome!"

@nico_rosberg

"The sound of a Formula One car in India more than 30 years after I drove one at Sholavaram is simply music to my ears!"

@TheVijayMallya

"Must say although everything else so far looks a bit rough around the edges the actual circuit itself looks great. Would love to try it"

@antdavidson

"Lewis has just told me that he has never met such passionate, happy and excited fans as the Indians. Sunday is going to be fun!"

@NataliePinkham

"Hotel has an elephant which cheerily welcomes you, not every day you see that. New Indian GP circuit looks very good"

@MBrundleF1

"On the way to the track in India, someone just drove opposite direction in our lane in motorway, and our driver said that's normal"

@H_Kovalainen

"We've been given a lovely welcome since arriving here -apart from the dead bat that was in our office and bats in the media centre too."

@LeeMcKenzieF1