Karun Chandhok has acknowledged that whilst the odds might be stacked against him in 2010, his immediate goal in F1 is to gain credibility and respect from the establishment and 'make an impression with the people who matter and who can open new doors for me'.
Only the second Indian ever to reach the highest level – following in the wheel tracks of compatriot Narain Karthikeyan with Jordan Grand Prix five years earlier – Chandhok has admitted that whilst he was always expecting his bow in Bahrain to be tough, he wasn't expecting it to be quite as tough as it actually turned out to be, as he was unable even to complete a single lap ahead of qualifying and his race ended only two laps in when he found himself caught out by a bump on the circuit that he hadn't previously encountered [see separate story –
click here].
The goal for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne is to see the chequered flag, but even if that is still ostensibly rather a tall order for a team that has next-to-no running time under its belt with its Dallara-designed, Cosworth-powered contender, Chandhok remains adamant that start-up operation Hispania Racing (HRT)
will get there in the end.
“I would like to establish myself as a credible, respected F1 driver,” he told the
Times of India. “It's difficult to make an impression with a team which itself is not established, but I have to make an impression in the paddock. I have to make an impression with the people who matter and who can open new doors for me.
“The most thrilling moment was when I saw the car Dallara had made for me. Of course I had signed the contract before that and saw my name on the paper, but to see my car and make my seat sent thrills down my spine.
“[Bahrain] was surreal. The paddock was very welcoming. Most of the drivers welcomed me, and I met [Michael Schumacher] in the drivers' parade. It was very nice of him to come to me and introduce himself. He said 'hello' to me and then said 'welcome to the gang' and I talked to him briefly.
“His comeback is great for Formula 1. It suddenly brought back a whole lot of F1 viewers who had gone missing. Every sport needs superstars. You need Sachin Tendulkar, Roger Federer and Lance Armstrong. I feel despite all that has happened, golf badly needs a Tiger Woods.
“The season is going to be tough and I need all the support I can have. By the time we reach the middle of the season, the fight is to become the best of the new teams and to finish the season as the best new team. That would be a strong effort.”
Chandhok went on to insist that he bears no rancour towards countryman Dr. Vijay Mallya, with whose
Force India outfit the 26-year-old was long linked only to be overlooked for either a race or testing role in the final reckoning – suggesting that it would be wise in this game never to say never.