Karthikeyan battles injuries
September 28, 2002

The injuries sustained by Narain Karthikeyan, 'the fastest Indian in the world', in a crash during the practice rounds of the Telefonica World Series at Magny Cours last month, have aggravated. The concussion suffered at Magny Cours resulted in subsequent complications to the epiglottis for which Karthikeyan has been undergoing treatment in England. The serious nature of the injuries has forced Karthikeyan to withdraw from the Telefonica World Series race meeting at Barcelona scheduled for September 29.

The injuries had not appeared so serious initially and Karthikeyan had indeed battled on bravely to compete at Magny Cours, qualifying well and then going on to secure a creditable ninth position.

In a valiant attempt to race in Barcelona, Karthikeyan flew down from England to take part in the practice sessions on September 26 and 27. In spite of his injuries, the Indian ace displayed exemplary performance, attaining a second place on Thursday, before doctors advised him against continuing in the high endurance races over the weekend.

Speaking about his condition, Karthikeyan said, "This latest development with respect to my injuries sustained at Magny Cours is unfortunate. However, I realise that my being fit and well is important not just for me but for my entire team at Tata RC Motorsport, my sponsors and my fans around the world. Consequently, in the long term interest of all concerned, I will concentrate on getting fit for the remaining races of the Telefonica World Series, beginning with Valencia on October 20." Karthikeyan had performed well at Valencia during the race held there in May 2002, achieving a front row position on the starting grid.

The Telefonica World Series is widely regarded as the second most important championship in the international motor racing calendar after Formula 1. The Telefonica World Series features some of the most talented drivers in the world, competing against each other in identical 415 horsepower Dallara Nissan V6 machines, on some of the most demanding circuits in the world including F1 courses such as Monza and Magny Cours.

Karthikeyan, India’s top racing driver, is sponsored by corporate giant Tata and also by JK Tyre, Kingfisher and Amaron Battery.