Karthikeyan Interview

As a Formula Three Champion he has built a formidable reputation on the racing tracks around the world. Now Narain Karthikeyan is poised to become the first Asian ever to race the Formula 1.

While his performance has always been remarkable, what is outstanding is that the 24-year-old is the only Indian and 1 of the two Asians to have finished on the podium twice in Formula 3---once at Spa in Belgium and the other at Silverstone, in Britain.

The motorsport wonder boy from Coimbatore is now all set to enter the dream world of Formula 1 with just 1 agenda---to win the all important race and be counted among the Michael Schumachers and Mika Hakkinen's of the world.

In Delhi recently, Karthikeyan took time out for an interview. " Now that my Formula 1 dream is coming true, I feel exhilarated and a little nervous. I now have no option but to succeed…."

For sometime now there's been speculation about you becoming Asia's first Formula1 star. But why is it not materializing?

K: I am very close to it. I did a test run recently for Jaguar Sport at the Silverst1 racetrack and everybody was very impressed. I drove the Ford Jaguar R-1 in a record time of 1 minute and 26.1 seconds---the highest speed the car has ever recorded. However, Jaguar doesn't have a vacancy now and I am looking around for a new team that would take me on as its driver. In fact, my performance at Silverst1 is already generating great response and God willing, I should be on the Formula 1 track by next season.

Do you think you have enough training to reach Formula 1?

K: Yes I certainly do. I have learnt a lot in Formula-3. But even before that I got a tremendous training at the Elf Winfield Racing School in France which is called the cradle of future Formula 1 champions. People like Alain Prost and Damon Hill were also from this school.

Do you feel Formula-3 gives you good experience to become a Formula 1 driver?

K: In motor racing, Formula-3 is considered a passport to Formula-1. In the past, Formula-3 has produced some of the world's greatest champions like Ayrton Senna, Damon Hill and Mika Hakkinen. Even in this season, I finished among the top ten in three consecutive races at the Formula Nippon Championship in Japan where I am completing my contract with Nippon.

What is your ultimate dream as a racer?

K: Like every racer my dream also is to figure in Formula 1 races and race opposite the likes of Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard. And if possible, even win against these great names.

How does it feel to be on top of the Formula racing pile?

K: Since I was a child I've dreamt about doing Formula 1. Now that my dream is coming true, I feel exhilarated and a little nervous. I now have no option but to succeed. And I am determined to do just that.

You recently had the opportunity of meeting Michael Schumacher, tell us something about the experience.

K: It was really a dream come true for me to stand beside a legend like Michael Schumacher. I have been an ardent fan of this legendary racer. When I met him I was awe-struck at first but later came to terms with the reality and we had a long and pleasant chat in which he offered me some important driving tips.

Have you ever felt anxious or scared when you are behind the wheel given the high-risk nature of motor sport?

K: Initially I did have that peculiar feeling of butterflies in my belly before the start of any race, but slowly with the passage of time that has gone. Now I feel confident before every race and yes fear has no place in motor sport.

Any close calls since you began?

K: Not really, unless you call Croft Circuit in Northern England a close shave. My head protection dislodged from around my neck and flew out of the car getting lodged in the rollover hoop. At speeds exceeding 270 km.p.h. the wildly flapping neck support caused problems to the aerodynamics of the car's rear wing and I found himself fighting for control as the car swayed violently. I was lucky not to have been shown the Black Flag for risky driving and still managed to finish fourth.

A magazine recently called you the most eligible bachelor….

K: (Smiling) Well, I must disappoint the magazine as I am already hooked to a girl in Chennai. She plans to study abroad for the next three years and I will be busy with my preparations for the big races. Hence, there are no plans to marry and settle down for the next three years.

Is it true that Formula racing is an extremely expensive sport?

K: Yes it is. Besides possessing the qualities of grit and determination the Grand Prix drivers must also have huge financial resources to participate in these races. The whopping cost of the races is due to the technology involved in the race and not just the participation fee.

How much did it cost you to participate in Formula-3 races?

K: It cost me over Rs. 60 lakhs to participate last year. Had it not been for my sponsors, Opel, Mobil, J K Tyre and Kingfisher my participation in Formula 3 would not have been possible. The role of sponsors in supporting Grand Prix drivers for Formula 1 and 3 is thus paramount.

How did you start your racing career?

K: I was initiated into racing from a very early age. My father himself was a racer at Chennai, though initially he was reluctant to my idea of entering the racing arena, but later on seeing my love for the sport he allowed me to take up racing as full-time profession.

Was it at the cost of your studies?

K: In my school I was not very good at academics, though I have a degree in business administration from London, but that was only to satisfy my parents. My sole passion in life has been to blaze the tracks.

2] The only Indian ever to participate and win in Formula races.

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