After establishing himself as a frontrunner last season, former Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan is all set to race again in the ultra-competitive Super Formula Japan series, which begins at the legendary Suzuka Circuit on April 18.
The Coimbatore-based driver is eager to make a mark at the historic venue where he qualified last year.
“I am really excited to be back in Japan for season two.
“There was a lot of learning in the first year, as the Japanese circuits and conditions are extremely unique and experience plays a huge role in the overall result.
“I feel prepared to take on the challenge.
“It is still not going to be easy because the grid is extremely strong once again,” he said.
Narain will partner youngster Tomoki Nojiri at Team Dandelion Racing, having switched from Team Impul he represented last year.
His best result was a sixth-place finish at Fuji Speedway.
Narain, who has already completed two pre-season tests with his new team, expressed satisfaction with his progress.
“The conditions were tough during both tests we had at Suzuka and Okayama, with low temperatures and rain often curtailing the schedule.
“But, looking at the pecking order, the car seems to have a good baseline to build on,” he said.
First time“This is my first time with the Honda engine (the previous team was Toyota-powered) so we are working very hard with them to ensure that the package is competitive right from the opening round,” Narain added. He said he expected the forthcoming season to be exciting.
“There is much to look forward to and lots of scope for improvements in all aspects — engine, drive-train and chassis, and the extent to which a driver can influence development is hard to find in a spec-series.”
Narain is being supported by Tata Sons, Tata Motors, and MRF Tyres.
The most noteworthy addition to the Super Formula grid for 2015 is F1 podium finisher Kamui Kobayashi.
Reigning champion and World Endurance champion Kazuki Nakajima returns to defend his title, with teammate Andre Lotterer in the mix as well.
The other big names likely to feature at the sharp end include former Force India F1 test driver James Rossiter, 2013 series champion Naoki Yamamoto and 2010 series champion Joao Paulo de Oliveira.
