The inaugural Formula One race in India is less than a week away and Karun Chandhok is still waiting to know whether he will drive one of the Lotus cars on the Buddh International Circuit (BIC).
The 27-year-old, however, understands the factors that run an F1 team and stays positive.
“F1 is a complicated thing; a lot of things need to be considered. Tony (Fernandez), the team principal of Lotus, personally wants me to drive. But it is not so simple; there are many angles to it. We have to wait and watch,” said Chandhok, launching TI Cycles' ‘Montra,' the first indigenously produced carbon frame bike, here on Sunday.
Chandhok said, despite the uncertainty, it would be a proud moment for Indian fans when he and Narain Karthikeyan compete in Friday's practice session.
Chandhok, these days, is one of the most sought-after persons in F1 circles. “Other drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, as well as my team are asking me about the BIC. They know I am the brand ambassador of BIC and have seen it since the day it was an empty piece of land. They are excited to come to India.”
The Indian driver, who has raced in the German Grand Prix this year, had some nice feelings when he did the simulation for the BIC. “It's really world class. It has some fast and slow corners with straights and undulations. It can be the second fastest track.”
Excited
Chandhok took pride in the BIC and hoped that F1 would be able to carve its niche in India. He was excited about the interest it has generated among the Indian corporate houses.
With his grandfather (Indu) and father (Vicky), the current President of the Federation of Motor Sport Clubs of India (FMSCI), being motor sport drivers and playing key roles in the federation, the Indian GP will be an emotional moment for the whole Chandhok family.
