Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, a self-confessed Formula One fan, waved the chequered flag at the end of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which newly-crowned world champion Sebastian Vettel won at the Buddh International Circuit on Sunday. Tendulkar, who witnessed the race along with wife Anjali and daughter Sara, did the honours at the end of the race.
Starting from the pole position, Red Bull's Vettel dominated the proceedings and scorched his way to victory with a timing of 1.27:249.
McLaren Mercedes' Jenson Button (1.27:967s) came second while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (1.28:298) completed the podium standings.
Tendulkar's long-time friend and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, with whom the Indian batsman met before the start of the race, finished fifth.
Force India's Adrian Sutil managed to secure points, finishing ninth after starting from the eighth position on the grid, while his teammate Paul di Resta was 13th.
The lone Indian driver in the fray, Narain Karthikeyan of Hispania finished 17th after starting from the rear of the grid.
Earlier, batting maestro Sachin showed his passion for motorsports by being the first of the high-profile guests to arrive at the circuit in Greater Noida.
"His love for motorsports is well known and I was not surprised to see him three hours before the race time. I went to the gate to welcome him," Sameer Gaur, managing director of Jaypee Sports International, told IANS.
Tendulkar spent a lot of time at the paddocks before going to the VIP lounge area. His meeting with Schumacher was widely anticipated and that was one of the first things he did after arriving.
Tendulkar went to the Mercedes GP team garage and chatted extensively with Schumacher and fellow driver Nico Rosberg. He also introduced his wife Anjali and daughter Sara to Schumacher.
It was Tendulkar's second meeting with seven-time champion Schumacher after 2002, when the German gifted the Indian the keys of a Ferrari.
The Mumbaikar then went ahead to meet F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in the Formula One Management team building where they were joined by Bollywood actor Gulshan Grover and legendary three-time former champion Jackie Stewart.
Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was the second cricketer to reach the venue.
Besides Tendulkar and Harbhajan, Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone were also spotted.
Jammu and Kasmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was spotted in the paddock for the second consecutive day. Robert Vadra was also seen chatting with the organisers.
Earlier in the day, 24 drivers took part in a vintage car rally and waved to the fans to kick off the celebrations.
