Angry farmers still threaten Indian GP

Less than two weeks before the inaugural Indian grand prix is scheduled to take place, disgruntled farmers are still threatening to disrupt it.

They are angry that their land was acquired compulsorily without adequate compensation to make way for the new Buddh circuit.

According to the Hindustan Times, they have written to a regional official this week reminding him that if their demands are not met, they will push ahead with protests aimed at disrupting formula one.

"There’s nothing alarming. There’s no threat to the race," a senior official of race organisers Jaypee insisted.

"A lot rides on the event and the farmers are only trying to browbeat the organisers and the administration," he added.

A regional official warned: "If any group tries to disrupt the proceedings of the race, we will deal with them in an appropriate manner."

According to the Indian Express, some farmers are threatening to play cricket on the asphalt on the day of qualifying, and then step up the protest to "stop the race altogether" on Sunday.

"We want to hold a sports tournament, to show the world our grievance. We don’t want to cause trouble, but our voices must be heard," a spokesman for the farmers’ group said.

Another farmer added: "We will try and stop the race at all costs as it represents the injustice that we have suffered."

"We have heard that the foreign (F1) cars will be arriving between October 18 and 20. We intend to stop them from entering the circuit."