ICB Exclusive: One on One Interview with Karun Chandhok

Being the only Indian driver in the Formula 1 grid currently, Karun has certainly created waves in the Indian motorsports fans’ community. Millions of fans back home in India cheer for him when he races in his HRT, but lately he has been sidelined by his team mate due to various reasons. There are thousands of questions going across the minds of his fans. To get an answer to all the questions, we get to quiz him on some serious stuff like his future in F1 to some casual. Jump ahead to read the complete interview.

ICB: Is it realistic enough to see you winning the Indian GP next year ?

KC: Not really. End of the day, the top 5 teams have pretty much got their driver line ups done so unless we have a freak set of circumstances, it’s unlikely – in 2011 atleast !!

ICB: Amidst speculations of Adrian Sutil moving to some other team next year, can we see you driving for Force India next season ?

KC: At the moment it’s still a bit early to say ! I’m still a HRT F1 contracted driver and we’ll see what the future holds.

ICB: Why are you being sidelined by Bruno Senna even though you have been outperforming him most times. Also, are you facing serious sponsorship issues because of which you are’t able to fund your seat ?

KC: It’s quite clear that all of the new teams are short of funding for their racing programs and are all looking to raise further sponsorship. The driver situation at HRT is a fairly complex one and something that I can’t comment on.

The 3 generations of Chandhok motorsport, Karun, father Vicky and grandfather Indu Chandhok

ICB: If given a chance to race in any of the top three teams i.e. Ferrari, McLaren and Red bull, which one would you go for & why ?

KC: At the moment all 3 look very good – but it’s not a simple question. It depends on a lot of circumstances but I think it’s fair to say everyone wants to drive for Ferrari one day.

ICB: If given a chance to drive a competitive car, do you think you can challenge any of the top drivers ?

KC: Yes I believe so – if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be in F1.

ICB: Which has been your scariest moment ever while in the driver’s seat of the F1 car ?

KC: Probably when Jarno flew over my head in Monaco !

ICB: Apart from F1, is there any other form of racing you would want to be a part of in future ?

KC: I think rallying looks like fun as does the Andros trophy Ice Racing

Karun with one of his own creations, his LEGO F1 car

ICB: Who was your childhood racing hero ?

KC: Alain Prost

ICB: What inspired you to become a race car driver ?

KC: You could say that it’s like our family business – my dad used to race, my granddad before him; so I grew up at the circuit.

ICB: Which is your most memorable race so far ?

KC: Probably Melbourne this year – my first F1 finish

ICB: Which car do you drive in day to day life ?

KC: A VW Passat

ICB: Which is your favourite race track ?

KC: Monaco

ICB: Which is the one car you would want to buy if given unlimited budget ?

KC: An Aston Martin 177

Youngest Asian Champion in 2001 at the age of 17 !

ICB: Do you feel that you should have waited a year or two before getting into F1 instead of joining HRT ?

KC: No absolutely not – chances to race in F1 don’t come very often and I’m very glad I took it !

ICB: Any suggestions for our young readers on how to enter the world of motor racing ?

KC: The best place would be the JK Tyre Rotax Max Karting Championship or the JK Tyre Junior Cup.

Thank you Karun for talking to ICB. We wish you all the best for your Formula 1 Career !

Karun Chandhok Picture Gallery

: Youngest Asian Champion in 2001 at the age of 17 !

: Karun Chandhok

: Karun with one of his own creations, his LEGO F1 car

: The 3 generations of Chandhok motorsport, Karun, father Vicky and grandfather Indu Chandhok

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September 5, 2010 | By AkMa · Tags: HRT Formula 1 Team 2010, Karun Chandhok Hispania Racing F1 Driver, Karun Chandhok History, Karun Chandhok Interview

Comments

6 Responses to “ICB Exclusive: One on One Interview with Karun Chandhok”

Shrawan on September 7th, 2010 2:08 pm

awesome set of questions. I think the sponsorship issues are bogging him down. Hope he gets a seat in another racing car next year, I think he must move up the ladder quickly, one day I wish to see him in a Red Bull
admin on September 7th, 2010 5:13 pm

Thanks Shrawan :handshake:
Good to see somebody noticing it !
vicky chandhok on September 8th, 2010 7:29 pm

Came across this site just now ……nicely done ! Always happy to see home support ! All the best !
admin on September 9th, 2010 2:10 pm

@ Mr.Vicky Chandhok:

Thanks a lot Sir for visiting our website. Its so encouraging for us to see people like you coming here and appreciating our work.

Our support is always with you !
Indian gp on September 10th, 2010 3:12 am

well i would say that funding is the biggest problem in India. Considering Karun’s got sponsership from may palces but that’s not enough to be racing all year in F1. karun is a talented driver and his talent will shine more when will get more investors putting money on F1 and help this kind of talent to rise in and shine like a star. Next year shall be the great start for an Indian Grand Prix and for Karun’s Bright Future. Good Luck KARUN.
F1 on September 10th, 2010 3:25 am

Karun if you are reading this messgae then let me tell you that your are the best driver i have ever came across and i mean it. I know that you know this but you have a great talent and also i can feel it that you will be racing for Force India in 2 years…. Your dream to race for Ferrari is not far but at the same time is difficult looking at the current situation. Anyway karun we( All your Fans) looks forward to see you racing in India and also eagerly waiting to listen to the National Anthem played at the Indian GP next year. JAI HIND.