Fisichella's Spa knowledge proved decisive: Narain

Formula One racing has witnessed a revolutionary change in technology since India's first and only F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan was behind the wheel for Jordan (2005) and then testing for Williams

Formula One racing has witnessed a revolutionary change in technology since India's first and only F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan was behind the wheel for Jordan (2005) and then testing for Williams (2006-07). The car and its ingredients have become the all-important factor for success, leaving the driver in an inferior machine helpless more often than not.

Narain Karthikeyan

However, Karthikeyan still believes it's the technical knowledge of the man behind the wheel that supercedes all else in the world's fastest sport.

In a chat with MiD DAY he talks about, Force India, Fisichella and his own return to Formula One.

Being India's first F1 driver, it would've been a proud moment for you when an Indian-owned team finished on the podium at the Spa. What's your take on Fisichella's second-place finish?
I think Fisichella drove an excellent race, and the car has been improving in the last couple of races. Fisi certainly had the pace to challenge for the win. Spa is a track where he has always shown his driving prowess.
This was his third podium finish there, after second place in 1997 and third in 2001. Track knowledge and a smooth driving style like his on a circuit like Spa is always a big plus point.
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Where were you when the Belgian GP was on?
I was at my home in Chennai, watching the race on Star Sports.

Having known most drivers on the circuit, was it a surprise for you to see Fisichella excelling rather than Sutil who is considered younger and more aggressive?
Not really. I've always known that Fisi is an extremely talented driver.

To what extent has Formula One racing changed from the time you were in it? Would it be appropriate to say that F1 now is purely about the car with the driver having a rather restricted role?
Obviously, technology has taken giant leaps forward since 2005 and that is one of the great attractions of Formula Oneu00a0to drivers, manufacturers as well as the fans.

It is virtually impossible for a driver to overcome the shortfalls of his machinery, especially as there is such a miniscule difference between driver talent at this level in the sport.

Are some experts right in pointing out that Force India's podium finish was due to the absence of big names (Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton) who crashed early?
I don't know if the first lap crash of Button and Hamilton had any impact on the final outcome of the race, as they had not qualified so well.

After watching a crash like Massa's from behind the wheel, how difficult is it for a F1 driver (mentally) to get back to his aggressive self again. Shouldn't Fisichella be lauded for getting over this mental factor and winning so soon?
To be honest, although it is very upsetting to see a crash like Massa's, I don't think it has any mental impact on the rest of us once we're back behind the wheel. If you can't work past those fears, you'd never be a successful racing driver in the first place. We all understand and respect the dangers, and it is that healthy respect of the danger that helps us to push as hard as we do.

Currently you are India's flagbearer in A1GP which is a very competitive championship. But do you still harbour intentions of a comeback to Formula One?
u00a0I've always maintained that Formula 1 is still unfinished business for me, and I still maintain that thought.