Asian Motor Sports

Chennai: If you thought Narain Karthikeyan’s entry into Formula One has opened the sponsors’ door for aspiring drivers like Karun Chandhok, then you are wrong.

Chandhok revealed a different picture. ‘‘Everyone was excited after Narain took the F1 route. Everyone felt it would be easy to get sponsors. But that didn’t happen. I am in the same situation as I was last year. The only difference today is that sponsors are at least aware of the benefits of sponsoring in motorsports, and Formula One in particular. They are aware of the marketing benefits they would get if they became part of a racing team,’’ he said.

Chandhok is one of the two drivers that form Team India in the A1 Grand Prix. ‘‘I only drove in the first two races. The team management has decided to race Armaan (Ebrahim, the second driver), on the circuit. But I will oblige them whenever I am called to the team. The management has its own way of operating,’’ he said.

The Chennai-lad, nevertheless, agreed that A1 is one of the best things to happen to motorsports.

‘‘It’s a fantastic idea. The racing concept is all about patriotism. The spectators are cheering for their country and not individuals. But this does not discount the individual talent. The United Arab Emirates’ Shaikh is doing everything to promote this event,’’ he said.

But like every other driver, Chandhok felt that the ultimate dream was still Formula One. ‘‘Nothing can replace that. Every driver wants to be there. That is the place to be in,’’ he said.

Personally it’s not been a very good year for Chandhok. ‘‘It’s been a forgetful year for me. As for 2006 is concerned I am still trying fit money in place. Last year my finances finished mid-season. Hope things fall in place before the season starts. I need around Rs 3.6 crore,’’ Chandhok said.