Narain Karthikeyan – Fastest Indian in the World
Narain Karthikeyan – Fastest Indian in the World
Racing has always been the dream of Narain Karthikeyan, the first Indian to be in Formula One. This effectively makes Narain the fastest Indian in the world. At the invitation of Scott & English, a member of the DRB-Hicom group of companies, and the local importer of Tata vehicles, we got to meet with the young star at the Scott & English premises in Glenmarie.
Narain started his racing career in single seater cars from the tender age of 15, and has an impressive track record, scoring a 4th overall placing in Formula 3 in the year 2000. In that same year, Narain also clinched second overall in the FIA Intercontinental F3 championships. For the year 2005, he is contracted to drive for Jordan for the season.
He has no clear idea of what’s in store for 2006, but being a man of the moment, he will give it his best shot, and try to stay on in the sport.
Being a fast driver does not guarantee you success, according to Narain. “You have to have a sponsor who is willing to back you up, or else you will never get into an F1 team.” Says Narain. “Even the best of drivers had to start at the bottom, and that is usually in a team that has a ‘paid drive’ seat, “ he added.
When asked who he thought is the best driver in the world at the moment, he immediately says that it must be Michael Schumacher, based on his fantastic performance records. “Michael is very fit, and he should be able to continue driving for many years to come,” says Narain.
Narain has just one F1 race under his belt, that race being the recent Melbourne Grand Prix. He has never driven on our Sepang Circuit, but said, “I have walked it, and it looks very interesting. There are a lot of fast corners, I like it.” In four days, Narain will be fighting tooth and nail with other drivers in the midfield on this unfamiliar track, but it doesn’t seem to faze him. “The car has so far been reliable, and it handles well. The only trouble was a minor oil leak in Melbourne during the first practice, but that has been fixed. I will go out there and try my best to drive a good race, and if there is a chance to score some points, I will go for it,” he said.
Also at hand were the Tata representatives, Mr. D Yashvikram Sinha, Country Manager of Tata, Mr.Sachin Sawhney, Senior Manager, International Business, and Mr. Quek Wang, General Manager of Scott & English. Said Mr. Sawhney, “ We have had a long relationship as Narain’s sponsors, and we will be continuing this relationship for a long time to come. That is encouraging to hear, as Narain is going to need all the support he can get. Perhaps we might see him at the top one day, not too far in the future. For this weekend, keep an eye on the Jordan, and if you are at the track, give him a cheer as he passes by.
