JOIN US'I enjoy passion for F1 in India'
The 26-year-old, brought to Bangalore on a promotional event conducted by his team McLaren Mercedes’ sponsors Vodafone Essar, spoke about the positive influence of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, among other things.
Excerpts:
On the Indian GP: I have really not got any information on the track as of yet... We haven’t even tested the track on the simulator as there has been some trouble in getting into the venue. I just think such an event is great for India. I must be honest -- I didn’t think it would ever come to India. I have been here a few times over the years and I didn’t expect an Indian GP around the corner. Once I got the news, though, I went around telling everyone about how great India is and how brilliant and passionate the people are. What I really think the drivers will enjoy is the passion in India. This is way more hardcore than the British Grand Prix, and it probably beats some of the other European races on passion levels.
On motor sport in India: One thing I can see is that people in India love sports. The problem is that there isn’t enough infrastructure in place, unlike in Europe. With the Indian GP coming through, there will be a lot of sponsors coming in and that can help build a good base for youngsters. Youngsters in India should continue having a dream and not let anyone or anything take that away from them.
On the hard work that goes into driving in F1: People see a lot of glitz and glamour on TV and think that’s all Formula One is about. No one really knows what happens behind the scenes; that’s where F1 is made. I worked hard to become what I am now. My family and I lived in a one-bedroom house in England and I got an old, rusty kart to train in much later. My dad (Anthony) re-sprayed, re-did and re-stickered the kart with his own hands. What was better was that we, one of the poorest families on the circuit, were out and winning events with that kart.
On his target for the year, Now that Sebastian Vettel has all but secured the title: For me, it’s about going out there and finding my ground. I am not really going to even try and compete with Jenson (Button, team-mate) for a spot on the podium because he has deserved it. He has done better than me right through the season and even if I did well in the remaining five races, it wouldn’t matter. It’s really about getting into rhythm in time for the next season. I will train much harder than I did this season.
On his team: I have a fantastic team and a great team-mate in Jenson. We have had a less competitive season this year but it seems like I have an issue with being at the wrong places at the wrong time. The point is that I’m still here and I’m still fighting.
On his inspiration: (Ayrton) Senna was the guy I was naturally drawn to. Things were so different back then and that’s perhaps why I look back at those guys for inspiration. (Gilles) Villeneuve (Canadian Formula One legend) and I have a lot in common. But it has to be Senna for his fire, passion, for his brilliance on the track. I have tried to drive like him at times -- ‘tried’ being the operative word.