In this hour of glory, I need to hold my nerves
The Indian Express  — October 19, 2004

A job well done and a good haul of points thats how I would like to sum up my performance at the eighth race of the World Series by Nissan in Valencia, Spain Having won the first race of the day and finishing a ftghting second in Race 2 there is little I would like to alter The Valencia circuit is not one of my favourites and I was not particularly enjoying the drive Valencia is one of the venues forF1 races and the track is tight, with very little grip.

For these reasons we had to make sure that my car was fighting fit and could take the rough with the smooth My team did make a few changes to the car before the qualifying rounds on Saturday During the qualifiers the car and I felt completely comfortable together and I pulled off satisfying first and second positions on the grid for races 1 and 2 respectively. On Sunday, just before I took the tracks for the finals, I was a little nervous, yet confident. As I was starting Race 1 from pole position, I knew I must push hard and hold on to my position till the chequered flag.

To be honest, it was an easy race, which I won with comfort. I didn't make any mistakes and made a consistent run of laps. I knew that Frenchman Jean Christophe Ravier was behind me and made sure that I didn't do anything silly which would cost me the first position. It was a happy moment for the entire TATA RC Motoracing team when I finally took the chequered flag ahead of the rest of the pack. My good run continued in Race 2, as I made a good start from the second position on the grid. Tiago Monteiro was in pole position.

It was an amazing race for me, as at one point I realised that my car had no front end grip. However, everything evened out in time, my team gave me a smooth pit stop and I knew that a second podium finish was mine to claim. I was constantly tailing Monteiro and challenged his lead. I finished the race in second position just 5.56 seconds behind Monteiro. All in all, it was a productive weekend for me and the TATA RC Motorsportteam, I have added 27 points to my name and have climbed to the 4th position in the championship.

In my hour of glory, I would like to thank my sponsors and my team for their constant support and belief in me. With only one race remaining in the World Series calendarthis year, my game plan will more or less be the same keep a cool head, hold my nerves and give my best.The F1 calendar will also witness its last race of this season in Brazil. I have a strong feeling that Michael Schumacher will win this one, but not without tough competition from Barrichello. There is no pressure on Schumacher but the other drivers must brace themselves against their own complacency. Complacency towards Schumacher can be their undoing.