There is an empty silence at the Buddh International Circuit but it says something. It's like the calm before a storm.
There is no thunderous roaring of the Formula One beasts, just the crackling sound of metal on the engines with mechanics working on the cars. The tyres are being assembled just behind the car garages while the drivers are giving interviews.
But every activity is slowly leading to the screeching sounds of the marvellous machines as the Indian Grand Prix is back and it all starts with two free practice sessions on Friday, another practice before the Qualifying on Saturday and finally to the main race on Sunday.
Therefore, Thursday was more the build-up day. The drivers were happy, acknowledgements of being in India were in order and missing the circuit next year (Indian GP is not scheduled in 2014) a disappointment. Some though, are amused with the daily life.
"Yikes! Just had to swerve on the motorway in India because a cow decided to cross over to the other side! #nothingunusual," that was Mercedes Petronas driver Nico Rosberg on twitter on Thursday. He followed it with another comment during the customary FIA press conference. "You know it (the cow) wanted to cross the road before us so we let it," he said with expression of obvious amazement.
World champion Sebastian Vettel though didn't get time to tour India but on Thursday, he remembered having an elephant ride two years back fondly.
But with all the laughter there is also the leveller that the FIA doesn't have the Indian GP in its calendar for 2014, there is a possibility of a return in 2014 though. "The track is fantastic to drive. There's a growing fan base and a lot of fans in India. It's great to be here and it's a pity that there's no Indian Grand Prix next year and I hope that maybe some time in the future we can come back again," Rosberg added.
"I know cricket is the number one sport here by a long way but they've (fans) certainly shown some incredible enthusiasm. They're proud to have a very very high profile sport which Formula One is and the track layout is sensational. They're doing what they can to hold a very nice event here but it doesn't seem to have been enough for next year. I hope that we can come back in the future," that was the retiring Red Bull driver Mark Webber. He heads to the le Mans series after next year.
Of all the drivers at the press conference — Giedo van der Garde (Caterham), Max Chilton (Marussia), Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso), Rosber and Kimi Raikkonen (lotus) — the Australian Webber looked most at home. He spoke about India as naturally as any member of the Australian cricket team would, knowing about the culture more than others.
He also said that he would not want to change his view on F1 even if he did not have a win in the coming races.
"My mentality hasn't really changed from the start of the year, still enjoying driving the car to a degree and no exception to that. I think the last four is not really changing how I go about it. I would never have thought when I left Australia the results and the career that I've had. So, another win or so, of course it would be nice but it's not going to change my retirement too much. It'll be four weeks and that's it," a somewhat emotional Webber added.
Thursday was tranquil with a melange of laughter and emotions, Friday would be deafening.