Updated On: 21 October, 2011 08:19 AM IST | | Ashwin Ferro
Success of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix will determine the future of motorsport in India, says the country's second Formula One driver Karun Chandhok of Team Lotus
Success of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix will determine the future of motorsport in India, says the country's second Formula One driver Karun Chandhok of Team Lotus
India's second Formula One driver Karun Chandhok is a restless man these days. Even as his Team Lotus is yet to announce if the reserve driver will take to the wheel at the Indian GP, Chandhok is over the moon at the very thought of an F1 race set to take place in his own backyard. Excerpts from an interview.
You're still relatively new to F1. How's the overall experience been?
F1 is a complex business. Many aspects of the sport have been as I expected but just as many have been unexpected! Driving an F1 car is the most amazing sensation in the world but the work load outside the car with the engineers, marketing, media, sponsors, fans is way more than I imagined!
u00a0
Is scoring points still some time away, or could it happen sooner?
Tony Fernandes (Team Principal) and Team Lotus have taken steady steps towards the midfield in just our second year in F1. A lot of very good teams are investing loads of money. Realistically, we're not going to score points this year. The target needs to be to have a car capable of doing well at qualifying at the start of next year. Then we stand a chance of some points.
u00a0
It's not yet certain if you will be driving at the Indian GP, but what are your thoughts on both scenarios ufffd if you do get to race and what will it be like if you don't?
I was very grateful to Tony and the team for giving me the opportunity to drive in at the German GP (where he replaced Jarno Trulli). The objective is never to be a permanent reserve driver, but to be back racing full time and not only at the Indian GP. For any driver, the most important and emotional race is their home GP and I'd love to be on the grid for it but it's up to the team management.