Adjusting to a different time zone, weather conditions and understanding the tyre-track affair are some of the adjustments F1 racers need to make at any new GP. Here are some more...

The Indian Grand Prix is the first-ever for every stakeholder in Formula One and that includes the drivers as they are the ones who will need to prepare the most as they will be racing on the circuit. However, what are the most critical challenges that F1 drivers face at a new circuit?


Fully covered: Sebastian Vettel puts on protective gear ahead of the
Korean GP recently. Pic/Getty Images

At new venues, drivers usually have a few set challenges to overcome. On the personal front, it would involve learning the circuit to adjusting to the different time zone and weather and on the technical front, understanding and adjusting their driving style to the suit the performance and behavior of the Pirelli tyres on the surface of the new track and of course car setup for the weekend.

Formula One has added various new circuits in the past few years (like Singapore, China, Abu Dhabi, etc.) and will be doing so going forward as well (Austin and Sochi), hence, adaptability is a key requirement from an F1 driver.

Pre-race: At newer racing venues, the drivers and team personnel tend to come in earlier than usual and as you read this Sahara Force India's team personnel are already here setting up for their home grand prix. Adrian Sutil shared some good insights on how he went about preparing for the Indian Grand Prix. He has spent a considerable amount of time in the team's simulator in the UK to understand and learn the Buddh International Circuit. Also, he chose to arrive in India as early as the Sunday before the race to acclimatize to the different time zone and weather conditions. His tip to adjust to a different time zone 'as soon as you get onto the plane, shift your cycle to the new time zone'!