India is banking on its hosting of a Formula One Grand Prix to be a boon for tourism, yet hotel shortages and airline price increases may cause headaches for fans intent on travelling to the sport's newest frontier.
The Buddh International Circuit was given a clearance by top F1 bosses last month, with FIA race director Charlie Whiting recommending only minor alterations to the 5.14-kilometer track ahead of the inaugural race on Oct. 30.
With the track seemingly in order, attention has turned to the logistics of hosting sport's biggest travelling circus and tens of thousands of visiting fans.
The location of the track is problematical, as Greater Noida, 40 kilometers from New Delhi, is a new suburb with only a handful of decent hotels. Those in the adjoining area of Noida are full for the period and a long commute through the dense traffic from New Delhi is the only option left.