Buddh Circuit's homologation ends with FIA's medical inspection

NEW DELHI: The International Automobile Federation's medical team has expressed satisfaction with the state of medical facilities at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) for the inaugural Formula One Indian Grand Prix.

The two-day medical inspection came after FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting gave a thumbs up to the 5.14 km circuit during his visit on Thursday.

The team led by FIA's medical delegate Jean Charles Piette checked the medical center at BIC in Greater Noida near here, besides visiting the Fortis and Apollo hospitals which have been roped in by race promoters Jaypee Sports International (JPSI). In case of a mishap during the three-day mega event, the drivers will be airlifted to either of the two hospitals from the track.

JPSI senior vice president Askari H Zaidi said Piette was satisfied with the equipments inside the medical center and the air ambulance service at the circuit.

"F1 is a very risky sport and FIA does not compromise one bit on the safety of the drivers. They carefully looked at the facilities at the track and in the hospitals. It is a standard procedure they follow for each race," Zaidi said.

"The fact that we (Jaypee Group) are building a 500-bed hospital in Noida helped us in procurement of the sophisticated equipment. Their visit also marked the end of the circuit homologation."

A JPSI release added that the services offered by the hospitals met the FIA regulations.

"Prof. Piette also inspected the referral center, Fortis Hospital and Apollo Hospital, with burns unit and air retrieval services readiness being approved and appreciated for being on time, as per requirements of FIA Regulations. Dr. Amjad Obeid (CMO-BIC) and Dr Dina Shah (Dy CMO-BIC) accompanied Prof. Piette during the inspection."


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