NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN - THE RACING WONDER

He is the first Indian and only the second Asian to participate in the Formula 3 championships and to be on the winning list. This young man has roped in companies like Opel, Mobil and Kingfisher and recently, Ford to sponsor him. But Narain is not just another youngster out for a ride. Driving is both his passion and his profession.

Born on 14 January 1977, he started racing at the age of 16, an age at which you can't legitimately get a driving license. But you're perfectly eligible for a racing license! Initiated by his father G R Karthikeyan who for years was the Indian National Rally Champion, Narain's interest was stimulated from a very early. Though Narain is only twenty-three old, he has already achieved a considerable reputation in the sport.

When he was 16 he attended the Elf-Winfield Racing School in France, showing an immediate talent for the sport; he was among the semi-finalists in the Pilote Elf Competition in Formula Renault cars. He was very successful at the Spa Fracorchamps Formula Three championship in Belgium. He has improved a lot over the years and is all geared up to achieve the F1 racing driver distinction.

In 1994 he returned to the UK and drove in Formula Ford Zetec for Foundation Racing as the number two works Vector Driver. He took part in the British Formula Ford Winter Series and by winning this became the first Indian to win a championship in Europe. In 1995, he participated in the Formula Asia Championship for four races. He feels that Formula Asia is an essential step in pursuit of his racing ambitions.

1997 was one of his best years. He competed in the Formula Vauxhall Opel and won the prestigious Donington Park race with a lead from start to finish. This amazing victory prompted the much-acclaimed Autosport magazine to declare in bold headlines - "The Indian Prince rules in the rain".

Recently, Ford India Limited announced its sponsorship of Narain Karthikeyan, in two races being held on November 21 in the Macau World Cup, and November 28 in Seoul, Korea. Under the agreement, Narain Karthikeyan will race with Stewart Racing, gaining the expert guidance of Jackie Stewart, one of the top Formula One drivers of all time. Ford's active participation in sponsoring Narain Karthikeyan reinforces the need to further encourage Indian motor sports.

He studied Business Administration in London. His hobbies include skeet shooting, tennis, wildlife photography and philanthropy. Narain is not only interested in motor racing, but also in tennis. He is all admiration for Boris Becker. He does yoga and meditation and keeps fit through jogging and weight training. His idol is Michael Schumacher and his only ambition is to be the first Indian Formula One Driver.

Are you satisfied with your performance till date?
My performance as well as that of my car is steadily improving. Yes, performance in every circuit is improving. It counts, as the rankings depend on it.

Do you think motor sports has improved in India?
Motor sport is expensive. It is showing some positive signs with a lot of sponsors like JK Tyres, Ford and others coming in.

Has motor sports attracted a lot of sponsors?
Cricket has taken all sponsors. Kingfisher & JK Tyres - they are my long time sponsors. Now, Ford is the official sponsor for two races to be held in Macau and Seoul.

How are European circuits compared to Asian circuits?
There are challenging circuits in Europe. In India, there is far less cutthroat competition compared to the European circuits. UK, England is the home for F1 circuit. It is an honour to compete in Britain because apart from Japanese drivers and myself, no one has made it to that level.

What's the major difference between F3 and F1?
Engine and brakes are different. There is more power in F1. Recently, I was with Jaguar Formula One team to get familiar with the surroundings. It is very hard out there because it is a different ball game all together.

Tell us more about your success in the Spa Fracorchamps F3 championships?
I won against a full grade of 32 cars with 31 of the world's best Formula Three drivers competing.

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