• World champion impressed with India experience
• ‘All in all it was great to be here, a great circuit’

Sebastian Vettel departed India with nothing but high praise for a country on which he left an indelible mark on Sunday – and that did likewise on him. In a season of superlatives for the two-time Formula One world champion, the inaugural race at the Buddh International Circuit was undoubtedly one of the high points. For the first time in the German’s career he achieved F1′s grand slam of pole position, race win, fastest lap and leading every lap.

The 24-year-old is already looking forward to next year’s race after being thoroughly impressed with his experience as the subcontinent embraced F1 for the first time. “If you look at where we come from, it’s hard to imagine things if you haven’t seen them,” Vettel said. “For us we sometimes measure happiness in our lives, in our world, by what we have achieved, what we have, etc. But for the people here, it doesn’t really matter.

“They’re happy with what they have, even if you compare and they have so little, but they are happy, friendly, helpful and respectful. Obviously I haven’t spent a lot of time here, but it was very inspiring, with a lot of things making you appreciate more than you probably do. It opens your eyes, it was an inspiration and something you should never forget.”

The circuit also played its part in Vettel’s appreciation of India as he finished 8.4sec clear of McLaren’s Jenson Button. “All in all it was great to be here, a great circuit, which is what we judge the most,” said the German, who now has 11 wins for the season, two shy of equalling his countryman Michael Schumacher’s single-season record of 13 in 2004.

“When my engineer came on the radio and said ’12 laps to go’ I was surprised and I thought, ‘That went by quickly.’ It’s a good sign because it means you enjoy the circuit. Having had debuts in different places the last couple of years, this will be one of the races that settles in very quickly and we will all be happy to come back.”

Button was another in thrall at the reception they received, and the track. “It’s one of the circuits which definitely gets a big tick. I’m looking forward to coming back,” he said. “The Indian people have welcomed us. I’ve never seen so many people smiling before. The crowd have been wonderful. There’s pretty good advertising for this place and I think the word is going to get out.”

The Formula One commercial-rights holder, Bernie Ecclestone, who had expressed concern before arriving about whether the circuit would be ready, was also impressed. “F1 is as popular in India as cricket in France, but things will improve drastically in the years to come,” said the 81-year-old, who normally leaves once the race has started but this time stayed to watch. “I’m very, very happy with it, and everybody else is as well. We’ve nothing to complain about. There are bits and pieces they can do, but this is a prototype, so I’m sure they’ll get down and have a good look at everything.”

Sport: Motor sport | guardian.co.uk