INDIA in F1

Tag: India

  • HRT signs up Narain Karthikeyan for another F1 season

    HRT signs up Narain Karthikeyan for another F1 season

    Narain Karthikeyan – File picture courtesy www.narainracing.com


    Bangalore, 3 Feb 2012 (Scorp News): Narain Karthikeyan, the first Indian to make it to the Formula 1 World Championship, will be entering into his third F1 season as he clinched a drive with the Spanish outfit, HRT F1 team, to complete the line-up of drivers for the 2012 F1 grid. Hispania Racing Team (HRT) announced Narain as in the line-up along side 40-year old Pedro de la Rosa, on Friday afternoon, on a day when the Ferrari team and Sahara Force India team were set to launch their new cars for the season.

    The 35-year old Karthikeyan, who finished all but one of the 8 races he started in 2011 for HRT before the drive was handed over to Daniel Ricciardo, came back for a one-off home race to show his expertise and many feel that his performance at the historic inaugural Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit is the reason for clinching the final seat on the grid. However, it is well-known that HRT was struggling not only at the back of the grid but was trying to rope in drivers who can bring in sponsors but Narain feels that he is fast enough among the contenders which brought the drive and believes that he and the team can benefit from the relationship.

    HRT’s new car is scheduled to debut in the second pre-season test at Barcelona on February 21 or in the next three days. Here is an interview with Narain Karthikeyan released by HRT:

    Q: It has finally been revealed that you will occupy the last seat available as an official driver, how are you facing this new challenge in Formula 1?

    Narain Karthikeyan: It all really started after the Indian GP, where we had a good performance which led to the belief that I am still competitive to drive in Formula 1. It is no secret how difficult it is to stay in F1 at this time, but I ensured that I was physically and mentally ready for any opportunity that arose. So I can’t wait to get back in the car and return to action once again.

    Q: The uncertainty you’ve faced in the period spanning from the end of last season until the moment you’ve been confirmed can’t have been easy to handle. What have you done to keep yourself occupied?

    NK: Well, there were more ups and downs than I can remember, positive and negative days – sometimes I just gave up but it was quickly followed by yet another glimmer of hope. It was exhausting mentally, but like the adage goes, all’s well that ends well.

    There was plenty to keep me occupied during the winter though, like I said earlier I trained as hard as I would have if my drive was confirmed last season; fitness is critical in F1 and racing in general. Then there were lots of discussions, which meant a lot of travelling – flights, hotel stays and those sorts of things. So I didn’t have a whole lot of time to sit and mull over things, to be honest.

    Q: This will be your third season in Formula 1, what targets have you set yourself?

    NK: As far as results go, it largely depends on the development of the car, although I must say that things are looking promising. Otherwise, I have no doubts in my ability, I am extremely confident as last year and after the first few races, I drove better than ever. So I’ll be pushing hard no doubt about that. A lot of things change this year even though it is the same team, and I am sure it’ll be for the better. The new management is wholly focused on all-round improvement and from what I have seen – they will do so.

    Q: Practically the whole structure is new with respect to 2011, what sensations have the new directors given you?

    NK: The team has some very capable and experienced people on-board now, like the new Team Principal Luis Pérez-Sala and my teammate Pedro de la Rosa. So things are definitely changing for the better ever since the new owners have taken over. Saul (Ruiz de Marco, HRT F1 CEO) has a very good approach to what F1 should be, by applying his entrepreneurship experience to the team and I’m sure that it will lead to better things. Everyone knows it is impossible to change things in F1 overnight but we have certainly taken strides in the right direction.

    Q: How would you define yourself as a driver?

    NK: One thing’s for sure – I never give up. I’m here, against all odds and expectations, which wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. I have worked incredibly hard, I believe in my ability and know that I am as quick as anyone else out there.

    Q: What do you know about and what would you highlight about your teammate Pedro de la Rosa?

    NK: My first ever test was with Jaguar in 2001 and I remember Pedro was the team driver at the time. Even though I don’t know him very well, I know that he’s very experienced and from what I’ve seen, has a pleasant personality. We should be getting on well – it is not about trying to beat each other but working harmoniously to help the team progress as a whole. Healthy competition will collectively allow us to get the maximum out of the car and fast-forward the development process.

    He has a vast amount of developmental experience with a front-running team – so it’ll count a lot for the team in terms of approaching things and making the most out of our resources.

    Q: What do you think you can contribute to the team this year?

    NK: I am going to push as hard as possible, both inside and outside the cockpit and do whatever it takes to help the team progress in its rejuvenated form. Continuity is important in Formula 1 so I’m sure we’ll hit the ground running this year starting with some actual pre-season testing unlike last season where I first drove the new car on the opening race weekend in Australia. So there is all the incentive for me to ensure that I carry the team forward by delivering results and ensuring that nothing is left on the table as far as performance is concerned.

    Q: Coming from a country with not much motorsport tradition, what led you to pursue the dream of making it to Formula 1?

    NK: Ever since I started my racing career, I had just one goal in mind – Formula 1. It was definitely an unconventional dream to have, considering we had very little by the way of motorsport in India. Understandably, at the time I failed to realise what an uphill task it was. A more concrete picture emerged when I started racing in Europe, and it was during that time I came to terms with the harsh realities in earnest. We didn’t know the right steps to get to F1, but several setbacks made my resolve only stronger and my perseverance ultimately paid off when I made my debut in 2005.

    Q: Last year you made history by becoming the first Indian driver ever to race at the Indian GP. What dreams do you have left to fulfill?

    NK: For me, Formula 1 is a continued dream, it is always ultra-competitive and competing at the pinnacle of the sport is what I love. So I am very happy to have the opportunity to continue living my dream and I have every intention to make the best out of it.

     

    ends

  • Sahara Force India unveils VJM05, the 2012 F1 car

    Sahara Force India’s new challenger, the VJM05, was unveiled on Friday morning (2.30pm IST) at Silverstone circuit as team’s drivers Paul Di Resta and Hulkenberg removed the black covers off a stunning car that had the name `Sahara’ visible prominently in tune with the new co-owner of the team.

    After the car was unveiled, the two drivers Paul and Hulkenberg posed for pictures with recently-named reserve driver Jules Bianchi.

    Force India F1 Team did well to finish the 2011 season in the 6th place and is one of the precocious new generation of highly competitive regular points-scoring teams competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

    The VJM05 is the second car to be created under the watch of Technical Director, Andrew Green, as the team seeks to build on its on its sixth place finish in the constructors’ championship and take the fight to the teams that lie ahead.
    “We have set our sights on challenging for fifth place,” explained Team Principal and Managing Director, Dr. Vijay Mallya. “To do so we will need to begin the new campaign by delivering the kind of form we showed in the second half of 2011. I believe this is a realistic goal and that we have the talent and determination to realise these ambitions.”
    Chief Operating Officer, Otmar Szafnauer, echoed those sentiments as he praised the team’s efforts to develop the VJM05: “The new car has come together nicely over the winter. We don’t know what our competitors have done, but we’ve made some gains over the winter and believe we’re in reasonable shape. It’s going to be difficult in the midfield, but our focus is on starting strongly and improving our position from last season.”
    Summing up the approach to 2012, Andrew Green added: “The car looks more refined; a lot racier and a lot more purposeful. You can start to see the aerodynamic concepts coming through now. It looks quite a bit different to the previous years, and so far the performance in the tunnel has been encouraging.”
    The drivers were delighted to get their first glimpse of the new car and set out their hopes for the season ahead:
    Paul Di Resta: “Seeing the new car built and complete for the first time is always an exciting moment. It’s when you realise that all the waiting is finally over and the season is beginning for real. I’ve had a good winter and I’ve recharged my batteries, but now I’m fully focussed on 2012 and looking forward to the start of testing. There’s a really positive feeling in the team, good stability and hopefully we can pick up where we left off at the end of last year.”
    Nico Hulkenberg: “I saw the new car in the wind tunnel a few times and followed its progress during the winter. It looks aggressive and fast, but we won’t know where we stand until we get out there and compete against the others. Preparations for the new season have been full-on with simulator sessions and lots of fitness training. I feel ready to get back to racing and I’m excited to find out what the new car feels like next week.”
    Once again the Sahara Force India cars will be powered by the Mercedes engines with gearbox supplied by McLaren Applied Technologies. This will be the second season with the Mercedes KERS.
    Jules Bianchi (France) with Nico Hulkenberg (Germany) and Paul di Resta (Great Briton) with VJM05 –

    It’s a remarkable step forward for the tight-knit, small outfit that was created in 2007 after Orange India Holdings group, led by Dr Vijay Mallya and Jan and Michiel Mol, purchased the Silverstone based Spyker. A solid long-term plan, strong management and an insatiable hunger has enabled the crack team to move solidly up the order and moved from the back of the grid to sixth in the constructers championship in 2011. A dynamic team able to qualify and run in the top ten and give the frontrunners more than a little to worry about.

    The statistics bear witness: in 2009 it secured its debut pole, podium and fastest lap, in 2010 it was seventh in the championship with 68 points, nine top ten starts and 15 points scoring finishes: a consolidation of that early promise. Given the size and resources of the team, such a performance is even more remarkable.

    The team’s form is the crystallisation of the vision of owners Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman of India’s iconic UB Group, and Jan & Michiel Mol, Dutch e-commerce businessmen, laid down when they created the team in the final months of the 2007 season. The trio purchased the team from Spyker Cars N.V and for the 2008 team it was renamed Force India with its dynamic name and patriotic logo incorporating the colours of the Indian flag.

    The team is now a sporting representation of the emerging generation of young, success-hungry, fast paced global Indians and the growing strength of India as a nation.

  • Interview with Indian-born Sauber F1 Team CEO Monisha Kaltenborn Narang

    Monisha Kaltenborn Narang:

    Monisha Kaltenborn Credit: Sauber Release, 20 Oct 2011:  “The grand prix is good for India and good for Formula One”

    Hinwil, 18th October 2011 – Sauber F1 Team CEO Monisha Kaltenborn Narang, the only woman to hold such a position in Formula One, was born in India and is looking forward to the inaugural grand prix in her native country.

    Mrs Kaltenborn Narang, what does the first Formula One grand prix in India mean to you?

    Monisha Kaltenborn Narang: “For me personally it will be a very special experience, because for the first time I’ll be able to combine my work with a visit back to the country of my birth – and, moreover, as part of the inaugural grand prix in India. As the team’s CEO it’s always extremely interesting to go to a new country with Formula One, as it opens up new avenues for a team. It can generate new partnerships – in this case with Indian companies – while existing partners gain access to another important market. We’re delighted to have Amul, one of the best known and strongest brands in India, on board for the grand prix. For me there’s also a personal element in this agreement, as I remember Amul products from childhood, of course. I was particularly keen on their butter.”

    When and why did you leave India?

    MKN: “My parents and I left India in 1979, when I was eight. We didn’t have any pressing reason to relocate abroad, but back then there were a lot more options in terms of further education outside India, and my parents wanted to give me those opportunities. Besides, our family business, a two-wheeler dealership, was hardly a labour of love for my father. The obvious move as far as my education was concerned was to settle in an English-speaking country, but instead we ended up in Austria. Vienna was our first port of call after leaving India, as my father’s uncle was working at the atomic agency in the city and we liked it there. When we arrived I started at an Austrian school rather than an international one, as my parents thought it was important for me to learn the language properly and integrate into Austrian society. After leaving school I also completed my law studies in Vienna and took Austrian citizenship. That gave me a lot of administrative benefits, but I also had a strong connection with the country, of course, after spending a significant part of my life there. I’m still an Austrian citizen, although I now live in Switzerland and am married to a German.”

    What memories do you have of your childhood in India?

    MKN: “I have very good childhood memories of India, especially of how my grandparents used to spoil me; for a long time I was their only grandchild. I also have some fond early memories of school in India and of friendships from back then. I attended Welham Girls’ High School in Dehradun, where I was born. The city is in the north of the country and one of the oldest in India. Welham was a renowned girls’ boarding school, and it served me very well. At home I had three dogs, whom I loved dearly.”

    Can you still speak Hindi?

    MKN: “My Hindi is no longer very good, unfortunately, as I haven’t had much chance to speak it for a while. But that’s changing, as I try to speak Hindi with my kids now and again. My son is nine, my daughter six, and I’d like them to learn the language. My parents are making a real effort on that front, so the children pick up more from them than they do from me. We’ve got to the point now at home where we only use Hindi for certain words. For example, no one says ‘tea’ in our house – that’s ‘chai’. And when the children were smaller and wanted to be picked up, they’d always shout out ‘godi’. My German parents-in-law even started using the expression.”

    Did you still make frequent visits home after emigrating to Austria?

    MKN: “Yes, I made regular trips back while I was at school and studying. And my husband and I were married in India according to Hindu tradition, so it was a big, colourful and very happy celebration. Our visits back have become a little less frequent since the kids came along, though. And since 2010, when I’ve travelled to every grand prix, we haven’t had any time to get over to India. So I’m particularly looking forward to going back this time.”

    How would you assess the level of interest in Formula One in India?

    MKN: “I think there’s a lot of interest within the country. I get the impression that excitement has been growing significantly over recent months. The closer the grand prix gets, the more media enquiries we’ve been fielding from India. It’s not easy for any sport to find a space in the public consciousness there alongside cricket. But I’m sure that this grand prix will represent a big step towards establishing our sport in India.”

    How important is Formula One for India, and how important is India for Formula One?

    MKN: “This year’s Formula One schedule comprises 19 races in 18 countries, and it’s right and proper that India is now part of this exclusive group. The decision to add India to the calendar reflects the country’s global and economic standing. India also represents a very big market for Formula One and, as such, has huge potential for many companies, some of which are already involved in the sport. Plus, India ranks as a high-tech hub nowadays and boasts extremely well-qualified specialists. The grand prix could open doors for more engineers and companies to find their way into Formula One. As I see it, incorporating India into the World Championship is a good move both for the country and for Formula One.”

    Is there a part of your character that you would describe as typically Indian?

    MKN: “I have a certain calm and openness, which you might say are typically Indian. I can accept situations and deal with them as I find them. Often, getting worked up is a waste of energy, as you can’t do anything to change the situation. The important thing is to respond to the new circumstances by retraining your sights and deciding how to move forward again from there. In 2009 we experienced a number of significant developments in a very short space of time. We had to accept what was happening as quickly as possible in order to deal with the new situation.”

    Before becoming CEO of the Sauber F1 Team at the start of 2010 you weren’t really on the public radar. What is your professional background?

    MKN: “After completing my studies, I worked for various law firms in Germany and Vienna. Then, in 1998, I moved to Liechtenstein to take up a post at the Fritz Kaiser Group, where I first came into contact with Formula One. As a legal specialist I was responsible for the involvement of FKG in what was then the Red Bull Sauber team. I then joined Sauber directly in 2000 andtook over the running of the legal department. Since 2001 I’ve been a member of the Board of Management, so I’ve been involved in all internal processes as well as relations with the FIA, the FOM and the other teams.”

    To what extent do you see it as something special to be the only woman in such a position in Formula One?

    MKN: “Given my career path – as we’ve just been discussing – my appointment did not come as a surprise either to me or to the team. When I took up the post of CEO I really wasn’t aware that it would be an issue to people outside the team that I was a woman. I go about my work with passion and see no reason why being a woman should stop me doing that. I now realise, of course, that this is not taken quite so much for granted in all quarters. I’d be very happy if seeing me as CEO of a Formula One team emboldened other women with an interest in our sport to pursue their goals.”

    How would you assess the performances of the Sauber F1 Team so far in 2011?

    MKN: “All in all, I’m quite happy with the season, especially when you think of the obstacles we’ve had to overcome since 2009. Our aim for 2011 was to make a clear improvement over 2010. We had a strong first half of the season overall. However, since then various factors have conspired to cost us points and chip away at the advantage we’d built up earlier in the year.”

    What are the team’s aims for the remaining three races of the season?

    MKN: “That’s very clear: we want to reclaim sixth place in the constructors’ standings after slipping down to seventh recently.”

    What are you hoping for ahead of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix?

    MKN: “I’d like India’s Formula One debut to be a wonderful sporting occasion and the Sauber F1 Team to contribute to the excitement of the spectators by putting in a good performance.”

  • Vijay Mallya denies sale of Force India

    Vijay-Mallya

    “I was shocked to read a media report that I am selling the Force India Formula One team. This is completely untrue and without any basis whatsoever. I take great pride in having been able to put an Indian team on the Formula One World Championship grid and have worked very hard to greatly improve the performance of the team. Now that India is finally on the Formula One World Championship calendar, my commitment to Force India becomes even stronger. As Team Principal, I will continue to run the team and I have no plans whatsoever to exit.”

  • Force India in points again at Sepang

    From Special Correspondent (F1)

    Kuala Lumpur, 10 April 2011: In hot and humid conditions, the expected rains failed to arrive and Red Bull Racing continued its dominance with Sebastian Vettel winning his second race of the season and fourth consecutive F1 race as he logged in 25 more points to comfortable win the Petronas F1 Malaysia Grand Prix at Sepang, 80 kms, from here on Sunday. McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button was second and Nick Heidfeld of Lotus F1 Renault was a surprise third.

    Thanks to Russian Petrov’s spectacular off-the-track excursion and sad retirement, Force India’s Paul di Resta, who drove a consistent race was in 9th place but the experienced Michael Schumacher overtook Paul in the last lap to bag two points. Paul got one point again for his 10th place  It was tough race for everyone with tactics and strategies ruled the roost and Force India Formula One Team came home in 10th and 11th positions for a second successive finish for both the drivers who finished 9 and 10th at the season opener in Melbaourne. The team is now joint 5th in the Constructors’ Championship with four points on the table, and Paul di Resta joins Adrian Sutil on two Championship points.

    Both drivers made a clean race start, however Adrian had to return to the pits for a new nose on lap 3 after a coming together with Rubens Barrichello. Paul was the first to make a tyre stop and it was a different strategy of tyre options for the drivers. Paul had a very good race battling with Rosberg and the mid-fielders in the first stint and Schumacher in the second. He made up four places to bring home another point for the team on Sunday. Adrian quickly made up lost ground due to the early nose change and was charging through the field for most of the race. He ran consistently in 12th position until a retirement by Petrov led to Adrian crossing the line in a well deserved 11th place.

    “I am quite happy I must say. The team did a good job with the strategy. I just could not hold off Michael at the end, he had fresher tyres and we had to stop a bit earlier for my third stop than predicted. But I also did not want to risk the championship point as well,’’ said Paul di Resta.

    “The first few laps were not brilliant as I lost my front wing touching Barrichello’s rear tyre. Then we had a two-stop strategy, Changing from soft tyres to hard and another set of soft again and I made them last well, which is positive. We could have been in for a much better finishing position, which is a shame. Overall the team did a great job with the pitstops so I’d like to thank them for that,’’ said Adrian Sutil.

    Team Principal Vijay Mallya was all praise the team: `The boys did a great job with the pitstops in very difficult weather conditions and the team’s strategies worked very well. Paul did an excellent job coming home in the points once again, while I believe that Adrian would also have finished in the top ten had it not been for the early nose change which altered his two-stop strategy.’’

    Talking about the Indian Grand Prix he was excited and said it was a big event. “Millions of youth were dreaming of an Indian team in the Formula One and it was my first dream a few back. Now India getting to host a GP is second big dream come true. We have lined up some updates for our aerodynamics and constantly making changes to improve the cars. The aim is to do better than last year and the whole team is working hard and confident,’’ he conduded.

    Elsewhere, Raghupathy Singhania, the JK Tyre stalwart gave away the prizes for the inaugural JK Racing Asia Series, a support race before the F1 event and for the first time JK banner was the back-drop at the Prize Distribution ceremony of an F1 event.

    eom/David

  • Force India in points again but Schumy pips Paul

    Kuala Lumpur, 10 April 2011: In hot and humid conditions, the expected rains failed to arrive and Red Bull Racing continued its dominance with Sebastian Vettel winning his second race of the season and fourth consecutive F1 race as he logged in 25 more points to comfortably win the Petronas F1 Malaysia Grand Prix at Sepang, 80 kms, from here on Sunday. McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button was second and Nick Heidfeld of Lotus F1 Renault was a `surprising’ third.

    Thanks to Russian Petrov’s spectacular off-the-track excursion and sad retirement, Force India’s Paul di Resta, who drove a consistent race was in 9th place but the experienced Michael Schumacher overtook Paul in the last lap to bag two points. Paul got one point again for his 10th place  It was tough race for everyone with tactics and strategies ruled the roost and Force India Formula One Team came home in 10th and 11th positions for a second successive finish for

    Singhania who presented trophies for the support race seen with Indian race Bharath. Photo by Scorp News
    Singhania who presented trophies for the support race seen with Indian race Bharath. Photo by Scorp News

    both the drivers who finished 9 and 10th at the season opener in Melbaourne. The team is now joint 5th in the Constructors’ Championship with four points on the table, and Paul di Resta joins Adrian Sutil on two Championship points.

    Both drivers made a clean race start, however Adrian had to return to the pits for a new nose on lap 3 after a coming together with Rubens Barrichello. Paul was the first to make a tyre stop and it was a different strategy of tyre options for the drivers. Paul had a very good race battling with Rosberg and the mid-fielders in the first stint and Schumacher in the second. He made up four places to bring home another point for the team on Sunday. Adrian quickly made up lost ground due to the early nose change and was charging through the field for most of the race. He ran consistently in 12th position until a retirement by Petrov led to Adrian crossing the line in a well deserved 11th place.

    “I am quite happy I must say. The team did a good job with the strategy. I just could not hold off Michael at the end, he had fresher tyres and we had to stop a bit earlier for my third stop than predicted. But I also did not want to risk the championship point as well,’’ said Paul di Resta.

    “The first few laps were not brilliant as I lost my front wing touching Barrichello’s rear tyre. Then we had a two-stop strategy, Changing from soft tyres to hard and another set of soft again and I made them last well, which is positive. We could have been in for a much better finishing position, which is a shame. Overall the team did a great job with the pitstops so I’d like to thank them for that,’’ said Adrian Sutil.

    Team Principal Vijay Mallya was all praise the team: `The boys did a great job with the pitstops in very difficult weather conditions and the team’s strategies worked very well. Paul did an excellent job coming home in the points once again, while I believe that Adrian would also have finished in the top ten had it not been for the early nose change which altered his two-stop strategy.’’

    Talking about the Indian Grand Prix he was excited and said it was a big event. “Millions of youth were dreaming of an Indian team in the Formula One and it was my first dream a few back. Now India getting to host a GP is second big dream come true. We have lined up some updates for our aerodynamics and constantly making changes to improve the cars. The aim is to do better than last year and the whole team is working hard and confident,’’ he conduded.

    Elsewhere, Raghupathy Singhania, the JK Tyre stalwart gave away the prizes for the inaugural JK Racing Asia Series, a support race before the F1 event and for the first time JK banner was the back-drop at the Prize Distribution ceremony of an F1 event.

    eom