F1 drivers skip Ecclestone's birthday bash

Greater Noida, Oct 29 (IANS) Formula One (F1) drivers missed the birthday bash of their supremo Bernie Ecclestone Friday night as they avoid 'partying and drinking before races', said actor Arjun Rampal, the organiser for the event's parties.

'F1 drivers have a rule. They avoid partying and drinking before races,' Arjun told IANS.

'They eat early and sleep early so one will get the chance to see all the F1 drivers Sunday when international pop icon Lady Gaga would be performing here,' Arjun told IANS at the F1 party held here at Jaypee Integrated Sports Complex Friday night.

The 38-year-old is co-owner of one of the capital's upmarket lounge bars, Lap, which has been given the mandate for organising the after-parties for the event.

Formula One group CEO Ecclestone, who turned 81 Friday, was escorted to the red carpet by Arjun himself.

The business magnate looked dapper in simple white shirt and trousers.

Asked about his experience on the Indian soil, Ecclestone said: 'All the drivers are very happy with the tracks. And I think India has a great potential and we can sustain the momentum by frequent participation.'

The guests of the first day of F1 after-party saw some of the regular faces of the glamour world, although Bollywood presence was less.

Among the F1 drivers one could only see Narain Karthikeyan with wife Pavarna including a few F1 team bosses from Renault, Mercedes, Lotus and Sauber among others.

From the tinsel town, the list included, Anubhav Sinha, Chunkey Pandey accompanied by wife Bhawna, Suzanne Roshan, Tarina Patel of 'Bhool Bhulaiya' fame and Rahul Dev.

The bash saw many socialites like Suhel Seth, designers Tarun Tahiliani, J.J. Valaya, Rohit Bal, Rohit Gandhi, Rahul Khanna, Manoviraj Khosla and Manav Gangwani among others.

Grammy award winning DJ Roger Sanchez was the highlight of the day. He was here to perform for the guests.

'F1 is one of my favourite sports to watch. I have previously performed in cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad and Delhi. However, I enjoyed playing the most in Delhi and Hyderabad,' he said.