• 5 minutes with ... Narain Karthikeyan

'I don't expect any miracles in 2011'

January 10, 2011

Why did you have to wait for five years? Were there any offers in between?
I have had discussions over the past years with some teams, and there were some opportunities in the past, but this time all the factors seemed right, and the timing was ideal, especially with the first Indian Grand Prix happening in 2011.

Given HRT's chopping and changing with drivers last season, are you confident of getting the drives in 2011?
I cannot comment on HRT's contracts with its other drivers. I am confident that I will be driving in F1 for the 2011 racing season.

How difficult will it be for you to adapt to F1 again after being out of the sport for a considerable time?
I may have been away from racing in F1 for 5 years, but I did some of the F1 testing for Williams in 2006 & 2007. Besides, I have driven in plenty of single-seater races since then - over 30 race weekends in fact - and winning some of them, between A1GP and Superleague Formula. As far as my physical fitness is concerned, I have always maintained a disciplined fitness regimen. Although F1 will certainly have more demands than the other single-seater cars, especially on the neck and back, I have two months until the first race in Bahrain, which should give me adequate time to build the required fitness levels into any areas which may be required by the particular rigours of F1.

How will it be to race in front of home fans at the first Indian GP?
Some drivers have said that a home crowd cheering for you can be worth one second a lap. I hope that they're correct!

HRT was one of the tail-enders in 2010. What are your expectations from the car this year?
The team and I are under no illusions, and don't expect any miracles in 2011. The team at HRT is working flat-out to ensure that the cars will be ready for the first tests in February. We want to be as reliable as possible, finish as many races as we can, and then we will be moving in a positive direction.

What made you take up HRT offer this time considering you had rejected it last year?
For 2011, HRT has established strong technical partnerships. It will have an upgraded version of its 2010 chassis, mated to Cosworth engine and a gearbox from Williams F1. They have also hired designer Geoff Willis, who has plenty of experience in F1. This combination will definitely make for an improved package.

Did you get a call from Karun Chandhok after you secured the seat?
Karun and I always wish the best for each other, and I'm sure he will be as pleased for me now as I was for him in 2010.

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