Unlike a few years ago when one could only dream of having an Indian in a Formula 1 racing event, the ball has already been rolled with Narain Karthikeyan, the first Formula 1 driver from India to take part in the event. in 2005. While this spells good news for most racing enthusiasts, the race is far from over for Indians who want to compete in Formula 1 racing, in fact it has just begun.
Most of the youngsters, who dream of succeeding in Formula 1 racing, must know that, unlucky as it may be, racing and even practicing requires a lot of money. In fact, as most racing champions will tell you, they’ve spent big money before they’ve made a name for themselves. In India, training for Formula 1 racing can start with Go-Karting after which one can graduate to local races and then championships like Formula India, Formula Asia, Formula 3, Formula 3000 etc. You must reserve at least 25,000 for initial training and then at least Rs 3000-5000 to participate in each race.
Although the most famous and well-known name in Indian Formula 1 racing today is undoubtedly Narain Karthikeyan, there are many others who are preparing very close to him. Karun Chandhok, Parthiva Sureshwaran and Asif Nazir are names that have also made us proud on the racing circuit. Gauging the enthusiasm for Formula 1 racing in India, Bernie Ecclestone, director of Formula 1 Racing Administration, says he believes India could soon be a Formula One destination. He also added that it would be “ideal to have an Indian competing in the world championship. ‘.
According to Chairman and CEO of F1 Management, Chennai-based Karun Chandhok could be the second Indian after Narain Karthikeyan to have a Formula 1 racing seat. This could spell immense good news for all racing fans. Formula 1 races who would also like to see the championship in India. Along the same lines, it is heard that Dr. Vijay Mallya, racing enthusiast and chairman of the United Breweries group, has been hired to spearhead the work of bringing Formula 1 racing to India. In a statement last month, Dr Mallya said he would meet with Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to try to set up a race track in Delhi.
This may mean nothing but good news for all Formula 1 racing fans as the trend will also lead to more sponsorship for the Indian leg of the sport. Narain Karthikeyan is sponsored by Tata group of companies and Bharat Petroleum Corporation, it is a sure boost for many youngsters who can plan their careers in Formula 1 racing for years to come.
Formula 1 racing enjoys a huge fan following in our country, the success of an Indian driver in this tournament can only add to the excitement of the fast-paced sport on Indian tracks.
