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Narain gears up for F1 circuit

It may be a small step in the highly competitive Formula 1 racing circuit. But for 24-year-old Indian motor racing prodigy Narain Karthikeyan, it's going to be a giant leap.

In July 'the fastest Indian in the world' from the textile city of Coimbatore will be moving closer to realising his dream of becoming India's first Formula One racer as he begins his F-1 car test driving in a Jaguar.

''In two years' time, I should become a full fledged F-1 driver," the cherubic Narain told newspersons in Madras on Tuesday, on a visit home after the conclusion of the first half of the British Formula-3 championship. The press conference was also attended by representatives from his main sponsor, Ford India, and co-sponsors Tata and J K Tyres.

Narain was felicitated on the occasion for his stupendous performance in the British F3 racing this season, where he finished third after the first seven races over six rounds.

Narain, whose hobbies include tennis, trap shooting and aero modelling, said he had already started training hard to get set for F1 racing.

''It will be a big break for me. Since my childhood it has been my dream to be in F1 racing. I will work harder, building on my experience in the F3 circuit,'' he said, brimming with hope and confidence.

Narain said he had now hired the services of a physical fitness trainer in order to gird himself up for the physically demanding F1 circuit. "He is an ex-marine and he is being very tough on me," he added.

"To improve my stamina, I have been jogging seven-and-a-half to eight kms every day and also doing weight training to strengthen my upper body," he said, answering a spate of queries on his preparations to mould himself for the F1 circuit.

"I am also using the computer to study and iron out my mistakes I have been making," he said, adding "I have made less mistakes so far this year in the F3 races."

After the second leg of the F3 in which he was hoping to emerge victorious, Narain would be competing in the Masters in Holland in August and then the World Cup races in November. "It's the World Cup which I am looking forward to. It's like Wimbledon in tennis," Narain enthused.

UNI