What was the "aam admi" doing at the Buddh International Circuit this Sunday Half of the city seemed to be at the Buddh International Circuit on Sunday. We were also among those headed for Greater Noida - for the sake of friends,and for want of a better plan. Since we were neither a crazy F1 fan nor a privileged brat,we shelled out no more than Rs 2,000 (the least it took to be there) for an entry to the Picnic Stand. Also,since we could not manage a parking pass,it entailed leaving the car 16 km short of the venue (parking there cost Rs 400),and availing a free ride to the Buddh International Circuit in a non-AC and rickety school bus. Once we got there,we realised why it was called as the Picnic Stand - it was as good as being at Lodhi Gardens on a bright Sunday. Patrons could make themselves comfortable anywhere on the grass. Only wish we were told to carry some sheets or mats along. Soon,the clock struck three and the cars started to zoom past,making an unbelievably loud sound. The ear plugs provided to everyone at the entrance came in handy. We soon realised that most people in the Picnic Stand were like us - who had nothing to do with either luxury or sport,but here we were,watching the world's topmost luxury sport. As the excitement to see the cars died down after the first 15 minutes,most people started looking around. For youngsters,it was a perfect occasion to pose for Facebook pictures and update their BBM status. As for families,menfolk got up and moved towards the food stalls to fetch something for their children and better halves. Throughout the 90 minutes of the race,in spite of the ear-deafening sound,there were loud and animated conversations all over. Shoe Maker! Shoe Maker in that car!screamed the lady on my left to her young boy,pointing to a vehicle that she believed was being maneuvered by Michael Schumacher. As her husband came back with a tray full of wafers,biryani,cola drinks and beer,the trio got busy in eating and reclining on the grass what with F1 and Schumacher. A young boy on my left,perhaps in his early twenties,spoke to his friends thus: I am training to be a pilot but you know,being an F1 car driver was always my dream. You work 15 days a year and earn Rs 2.5 crores. Its too risky and I just thought what will happen to my mom if I die. Some were even calling their friends and family to say,If I cant hear your call for the next one hour,dont panic,I am at F1,or Can you hear the sound in the backdrop,those are F1 cars boss! Interestingly,Picnic Stand was located on the remote side of the circuit,which had nothing to do with the Mallyas or the Devgns of the world present there. People here were just trying to use this opporunity to star in their own lives. For them,the Indian Grand Prix became a perfect metaphor to announce their own arrival.
