In a country where sports is almost synonymous with cricket, breaking the mould and making a name for oneself in another sport is a big achievement in itself.
The young and dynamic Karun Chandhok has just done that. Even without any support from the country's sports associations, he has made it big in the world of motor racing.
Champion of the first-ever Formula Asia V6 by Renault in 2006 and winner of the GP2 sprint race at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium in 2007, Chandhok, at just 26, is the changing face of Indian motorsport.
Honour and responsibility
Karun represents the Hispanic Racing F1 Team. How does it feel to be the second, and currently, the only Indian to participate in F1? “It feels fantastic to be the one among 1.2 billion people,” says the racer. But, with honour comes great responsibility.
So, do such titles put additional pressure on him? “It is a responsibility, but I've never felt the pressure. In fact, the greatest pressure comes from within,” adds Chandhok.
So, when others would have panicked on facing hydraulic problems in the car, moments before the commencement of the race, Chandhok's reactions were quite different. And, that's because, he's a “chilled out person”. “In these situations, I don't shout or get angry. If things are out of my control, I don't get stressed. I know that the mechanics are doing the best job they can.”
With numerous wins to his credit and having secured important positions in an array of races, Chandhok feels that the GP2 in Belgium in 2007 was his best win till date. However, at present, his focus is Formula 1. Asked about his chances of securing a race seat in 2011, Chandhok says that he is trying to “race back into the grid” and has been in talks with some teams.
But one is forced to wonder whether the switch between teams and sponsors affects the credibility of sportspersons such as him. “The question of credibility never comes into the picture. In fact, in motorsport the focus is more on the individual than on the team,” he explains.
Asked to comment on motor racing and the poor infrastructure in India, the race driver replies: “Motor sport is capital-intensive; hence, it is probably difficult for authorities to provide monetary help. But, they can help in other ways such as doing away with duties when someone wants to import karts or introducing the concept of a sporting visa for people like us who have to travel abroad so frequently.”
F1 and India
As far as awareness about the sport is concerned, Chandhok feels the F1 circuit coming up in India would be a huge boost for motorsport lovers. Chandhok also advises youngsters to start off with karting and “keep their feet firmly on the ground.”
Asked about his plans to start mentorship programmes in India, Chandhok says: “I don't have the time for mentorship programmes. But, I am involved in creating road safety awareness among people. I believe in racing on tracks and driving safely on roads, and I want everybody to follow this rule religiously.”
