Vettel Red Bull
Sebastian Vettel sits inside his team garage at the Buddh International Circuit, the venue for the Indian Grand Prix, October 24Reuters

While the Indian GP continues to struggle with issues behind the scenes, it will be get, set and go for the cars on the racetrack at the Buddh International Circuit with the first two practice sessions on Friday.

This could well be the final timer you see Formula One cars in India for a while, with the race not set to run in 2014, and the future from there still very much undecided.

The race has quite a bit of significance in terms of the drivers' championship, with Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel on the verge of winning his fourth consecutive title. Only Fernando Alonso can stop the German now, but there really is only a slight mathematical chance, with Vettel expected to romp home in the Indian GP.

The first couple of practice sessions will show just which cars are geared to perform at BIC, with the long straights in particular set to help the engines which have superior straight-line speed.

"I have a very good car at the moment," Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, expected to give the Red Bulls a run for their money in qualifying on Saturday, said. "I think the Red Bull is a bit quicker than us but you never know, you know.

"If we really get everything right on a weekend like here in India then it's possible to beat Mark (Webber) and Sebastian in that car. That's what I'm here to do, so I'll give it everything and we'll see."

Asked if Vettel can be beaten at the moment, considering the ridiculous form that he is in, Red Bull teammate Mark Webber said: "He's on a phenomenal run obviously and as you said his stats here in the last few years he's been pretty strong," the Australia, who will retire at the end of the season, said. "It needs a perfect weekend -- pole, perfect race, perfect strategy, perfect everything to obviously put him off the top step, so that's got to be the plan."

Where to watch

The first practice session is scheduled for a 10. a.m. (IST) start with the second session at 2 p.m. Live telecast is scheduled for both sessions on ESPN and ESPN HD. You can also catch the race live online by clicking the official link HERE.