I want to finish on a high note: Narain
The Asian Age - August 25, 2003

India’s fastest man on wheels,NarainKarthikeyan, was in town. All glued to the mega screens at Sidewok Restaurant along with his fans, Karthikeyan was watching the Hungarian Grand Prix Live on Sunday evening.

As the clock struck 5.30 pm, the sound of wheels skidding over the tarmac, the vrooming sound coming out of the engines and the lively commentary echoing around the room got the atmosphere enough charge to put any Formula One fanatic on the seat’s edge. A hard-core fan of legendary German racer Michael Schumacher, Karthikeyan spared nothing to cheer him throughout but disappointment took over his expressions once the race finished with his favourite driver not making till the finish. He, however, was fast at the defence of his favourite, saying, “It’s because of his new Ferrari car. It will be a tough season for Schumi as it will take sometime to get used to the vehicle.”

Narain was all praise for Renault’s Fernando Alonso who won the race. “It was an exciting and a surprising win. He proved that he is a very good driver and has great prospects.”

Narain, who have test driven for F1 teams like Jaguar and Jordan in the past, however, revealed that he doesn’t see the races to grasp anything extra.

“There’s nothing really for me to learn from watching foreign F1 racers. Their fuel strategy is different from ours. Since we complete an entire race without re-fuelling, we don’t have to chalk out such strategies.”

Currently the second-spot holder for the overall championship in the World Series, right behind French driver Frank Montagny, Narain drives for the Tata Carlin team and has eight more races to go. Expectedly, he wants to finish the season ona high.

“I have done quite well this season and want to improve in every race. Now my sole aim is to finish the season on the same position,” he said.

India’s Formula Three racer, has been waiting in the wings for a chance to prove his mettle in the F1 circuit, however, is keeping his future plans under wraps for the moment.

“I don’t want to think about it. My total focus is on what I’m doing right now and I have to give my best. Moreover, one never knows, when chances reveal themselves,” he said.