• Narain Karthikeyan interview

'Staying with HRT has to be the plan for the long-term'

February 28, 2011

Narain Karthikeyan talks about his first weeks at HRT, its chances of success and his long-term plans

How challenging were your first tests back in F1?
It was very challenging, from many different points of view. The physical demands of F1 are greater than any other form of motorsport - by a very large margin. Fortunately, my fitness regimen over the past few years has been very disciplined, so I didn't face major issues in that department. The current generation F1 car is very technologically advanced, with several complicated electronic systems, so learning all of this is also quite a challenge, but it is one that I relish. I live for the big challenges. It's been a pattern throughout my professional career. I wouldn't have it any other way.

What did you make of last year's HRT car?
It sure does lacks a lot of downforce but it's is not as difficult to drive as it was said to be. We've had considerable reliability over the two tests in Valencia and Barcelona, and have posted some pretty decent lap times, especially in damp and wet conditions.

How much has F1 advanced since your last drive in the sport?
F1 advances every year - that is the whole concept of this amazing sport. So after 4 years away the cars have changed quite a bit.

Are you confident the team can significantly improve on the F110 with the F111?
Yes I am. I have spoken with the engineers and seen some designs and downforce numbers from HRT, and the F111 will be a step in the positive direction.

HRT cars will be without KERS. Will it be of any consequence as far as your performance is concerned?
KERS comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. In the past only McLaren and Ferrari seemed to gain any sort of performance from the device. The packaging and costs will not justify the performance gains for a small team like HRT. It's better to concentrate on other areas in the car to gain lap times.

Geoff Willis is behind the new car, do you think he can work his magic with HRT's limited budget?
Geoff has a lot of experience and he also knows the constraints and limitations a small team like HRT face. I certainly hope he can pull off a decent package with the limited resources at HRT's disposal

Is it a problem that the car won't be ready until the final test in Barcelona?
It would be nice to have the new car ready as soon as possible, and I'm sure that all involved are working absolutely 24/7 to make that happen. However, new car development is a very carefully controlled process, and I'm sure the design and production team have it under control.

The 2011 livery has Tata as a sponsor and lots of empty space. Is funding going to be an issue this season for the team?
The team has some new ideas in the marketing side of things and I feel that they will move forward in this department as well. There will be enough money during the season. However, in F1 more money is always welcome.

Can you reveal any information about HRT's second driver? Will he have to bring a big budget?
Sure, he will bring some funding. Half the field brings some funding to their teams! So there's nothing unusual about it.

Are you concerned about fighting for positions in the lower half of the grid, something that could affect your reputation?
My job as a racing driver is to do the best that I can with the equipment given to me and that is exactly what I intend to do. I've always given 100% behind the wheel of a race car, and that will never ever change.

What are your objectives for this season?
It's too early to make any predictions. We are hoping with the new packaging, there will be a significant step forward from last year, and then we will be moving in a positive direction.

Are you planning to stay with HRT for several years or move to a bigger team?
Yes. Staying with HRT has to be the plan for the long-term.

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