JOIN USNarain focused on Auto GP now
Life in the fast lane is not easy, and Narain Karthikeyan is a true testament to that statement.
The 36-year-old has been all over the world in his quest to retain the tag of the ‘world’s fastest indian’ and while it has seen him drive in Formula One a couple of unsuccessful times, it has seen him suffer numerous heartbreaks too.
Karthikeyan being the unrelenting person that he is, however, refuses to give in and continues to nurse the dream that began nearly 30 years ago.
The Coimbatore driver, who was unfortunate to miss out on a racing seat for the 2013 Formula One season after HRT was not included in this season’s entry list, currently drives in the Auto GP series in Europe. He has been largely successful as his team -- Super Nova International -- leads the championship table and he is fourth in the drivers’ championship as a result of his stunning win at the Silverstone Circuit earlier this month.
But Karthikeyan remains hopeful of returning to Formula One, even if he did not sound half as convincing as he did the last time he was way from the greatest form of single seater racing.
“Never say no to Formula One but it becomes very difficult as you need a huge amount of funding,” Karthikeyan remarked glumly. “There are hosts of drivers with big backers and it’s a challenge for me. As always, I never give up. But first things first so let me try and wrap up the Auto GP championship. I will also obviously consider America as an alternative.”
Following the end of his second stint in Formula One, the Indian ace briefly considered driving in the IndyCar Series in America.
It seemed like a logical move since he had done exceedingly well in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series but Karthikeyan persisted with single seaters. “Single seater racing suits me very well and I wanted to continue doing that,” he said.
Talking about his performance at Silverstone, the only Indian driver to have logged points in Formula One, said: “Silverstone was good and I am very happy. I was the fastest in both the Friday practice sessions. I bagged pole and I had the race win too. Second race was on a reverse grid format and I finished fourth but I was judged to have overtaken during yellow flag so I lost 12 points. So I am fourth in the championship now.”
The Auto GP championship now moves to Mugello (Italy) before rounds in Nurburgring (Germany), Donington Park (UK) and Brno (Czech Republic).
“I have not driven in Mugello but I have driven in all the remaining circuits and I am very familiar with them. Obviously, the goal is to try to get as many podiums as possible and see where we can seal the championship,” opined the driver.