Should Force India have Indian drivers?
Hoshiyar had this to say about Adrian Sutil in a recent discussion:
To have Force India without an Indian pilot is ridiculous. Narain [Karthikeyan] can take the bull by its horn and come in front of fisi each and every time. To not even have tried him for the race seat… its clear where Vijay Mallya’s priority lie – making money. He’s just playing with the sentiments of people here.
Do you think Force India should have an Indian F1 driver?
Despite the team’s name all of Force India’s drivers are European: Adrian Sutil (Germany), Christian Klien (Austria), Giancarlo Fisichella and Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italy)
I don’t think the team should have an Indian driver just because they’re an Indian team. But even if they were to, the question is who?
Narain Karthikeyan is an obvious candidate, but he’s had a chance at F1 and got dropped – first by Jordan in 2005, and then from his Williams test seat last year. He’s struggled to make an impression in A1 Grand Prix where the competition is much weaker, and I don’t think his nationality should give him a free pass into F1.
Karun Chandhok has been tipped for a move to Force India, possibly as soon as next year. He won one round of the GP2 series last year but still shows a lot of immaturity in his driving. He spun away a potential win in the GP2 Asia support race at the Malaysian Grand Prix while the field was behind the safety car.
So I’m not convinced Force India needs an Indian driver. But what I find odd is that the team is called Force India and yet is based in Northamptonshire…
Damien said on 18th April 2008, 14:15
Hey all,
I think Mr. Mallya and Karun Chandhok have both done the right thing.
a) i think Karun showed great maturity by refusing a drive with the team when negotiations took place. He has a great head on his shoulders and to anyone that says he hasn’t got pace, look at the Gp2 Asia series qualifying. Sure, he didnt score too many points or podiums but look at the number of times he was taken off by a slower car (for which the slower driver has even been penalised on one occasion)
b) I think signing Fisi was a great move. He is out to make a point to Renault and also comes with great experience.
c) Karun’s test in the Red Bull F1 car was stunning. He was 11th quickest in his 2nd ever outing in an F1 car. The best thing about him is his determination and sharp mind. One of the smartest out there. I think HE (KC) knows he’s not ready which is why he makes it a point to tell journo’s (including myself) that Gp2 is his target and F1 is the future. He’s learnt from Narain’s mistakes and wants to be in F1 for more than just a season….
He is the future of Indian motorsport in F1 ! and a great guy…hope he certainly goes all the way.