New Delhi, Dec 24: India's stature grew in the world of sports after it successfully hosted its first ever Formula One Grand Prix this year but the drivers in the country continued to struggle in this glamorous and expensive sport.

It was indeed a big challenge to host an international motorsport event, especially after the beating the country took in the controversy-marred Commonwealth Games in the previous year. But the organisers of the F1 event -- Jaypee Group -- erased those memories by setting up a stupendous racing facility and then delivering the race without any glitch.

The Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida came in for free-flowing praise from the leading drivers, including the double world champion Sebastian Vettel. The grand spectacle could have been more appealing to the countrymen had Karun Chandhok also raced along with Narain Karthikeyan. However, the Lotus side preferred business over emotions and went with the experienced drivers line-up instead of giving Chandhok a chance to race in his home GP.

Karthikeyan did all what he could within his limits by finishing the race on 17th position, ahead of Hispania teammate Daniel Ricciardo of Australia. The season has ended but Karthikeyan is still not sure whether he will be retained by his side. Chandhok too has admitted that he might have to continue as a test and reserve driver with one of the teams.

PTI