( CNN ) -- Narain Karthikeyan says India is brimming with excitement on the eve of the country 's first ever Formula One grand prix . The Buddh International Circuit , 50km outside the capital New Delhi , is set to welcome the world 's fastest drivers at the weekend as it makes its Formula One debut and Karthikeyan thinks the event could spark a huge boom in the sport 's popularity . As the only native driver in the race , Karthikeyan believes Sunday 's Grand Prix is an important landmark both for himself and his country . `` It is an historic and symbolic moment that an Indian driver is on the grid and , of course , there is a lot following Formula One for a long time , '' the Hispania Racing Team driver told F1 's official website . `` There will be a lot of fans here . It will be hard to explain but it is what it is . I want to enjoy the weekend , have a lot of fun , and try and do the best I can do . `` I just want to enjoy the whole atmosphere . My family , everyone is coming . It is a huge day for Indian motorsport . '' Karthikeyan , who became India 's first ever F1 driver in 2004 , says a solid following has built up for the sport since the races were televised in 1993 . And he thinks India 's maiden grand prix will only increase the country 's thirst for motorsport . He added : `` Once Formula One is here the exposure will create a big opportunity for the young drivers and for the whole motorsport infrastructure to grow . We are all looking forward to it . India is different to China . `` There has been a lot of interest in Formula One for a long time . It has been that long , since 1993 , that it has been on TV live here and I think it is going to be very good for the sport and all the motorsport fraternity here is very , very excited . '' Karthikeyan also said the track at the Buddh International Circuit should make for an exciting race . `` With the circuit , again like everybody else , it is wide in some places , I am sure lots of different lines you are going to see , lots of overtaking , '' he said . `` It is definitely a very challenging circuit , with lots of run off areas and so on , so they have done a very good job , no doubt . ''
Karthikeyan says the Indian Grand Prix is huge for his country . Indian Formula One driver says the race can boost the sport 's popularity . Sunday 's maiden grand prix is the first to be held in the country . Indian calls it a historic moment for himself and for New Delhi .