NEW DELHI, 23 March 2005 — Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula One driver, is hopeful his promising debut with Jordan will eventually lead to a longer run in the sport.
Karthikeyan, 28, has drawn huge interest, particularly in cricket-crazy India, since being signed up by the British-based team last month.
He came 15th on his debut in the Melbourne Grand Prix and was 11th last weekend in Malaysia, considered encouraging for a rookie driver in his first two races for a team which finished ninth out of 10 teams in 2004.
“It was thought to be impossible. I made it possible,” a beaming Karthikeyan said in a videoconference yesterday on his first visit home since his Formula One entry.
“I’m just so happy to be here after doing well in the first two races,” he said. “I have set realistic goals because I don’t have the package to challenge the big ones.”
Bringing his car home in the first two races had hugely boosted his confidence, he said.
“So far I have coped with it and the car is very reliable,” he said. “Some new aerodynamic parts will be added later on and we will make improvements.”
Both Jordan drivers are rookies, Portugal’s Tiago Monteiro being the other.
“If I keep finishing, there will be some races where we will get the opportunity to score points.
“If I keep the momentum going, I will be on the wanted list for 2006.”
The driver was hopeful of improving as he gains experience, particularly in Europe where he was familiar with some of the tracks during his days in Formula Three.
He said his biggest boost so far has been encouragement from his hero, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
“Michael is a special driver, he is my hero. When he said I had done a good job, I felt really proud.”
Karthikeyan has received huge support from Indian fans thronged both the opening races.
