India’s growing participation in motorsports

Indian Drivers successful Internationally

Narain Karthikeyan

NOIDA, INDIA – OCTOBER 25: Narain Karthikeyan of India and Hispania Racing Team attends the drivers press conference during previews for the Indian Formula One Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit on October 25, 2012 in Noida, India. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Whenever someone discusses about an Indian race driver, the first name that comes to mind is that of Narain Karthikeyan. Karthikeyan or the Fastest Indian in the World, is the first Indian driver to enter the Formula 1 arena. He got into F1 in 2005 with Jordan F1 Team. At the United States Grand Prix, he got his best finish of fourth position, albeit under abnormal circumstances, as only six drivers competed in the race. After serving as Williams F1 team’s test driver in 2006 and 2007, he finally returned to the grid with HRT in 2011 and 2012. But when the team was shut down by the end of 2012, he was left without a drive. In 2013, he had a very successful campaign in Auto GP World Championship, where he secured five wins, en route to fourth place in the driver’s championship. He has also competed in distinguished events like 24 Hours of Le Mans, NASCAR World Championship, A1 GP, etc.

Karun Chandhok

NOIDA, INDIA – OCTOBER 28: Karun Chandhok of India and Team Lotus prepares to drive during practice for the Indian Formula One Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit on October 28, 2011 in Noida, India. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Karun Chandhok is another Indian driver to have made it to F1. After competing for three years in GP2 series, where he got two wins, he finally made a move to F1 in 2010, when he joined the newly formed Hispania Racing Team. Next year, he served as test driver for Lotus Racing, before leaving the sport. He was not able to perform well during his stint in F1, largely due to the fact that his cars were not competitive. Outside F1, Chandhok finished 6th at the 24 Hour of Le Mans in 2012 and 13th the following year. He is currently competing in the GT1 World Championship. He is also vying for a seat with Mahindra Racing in Formula E next year. Also, next year both he and Karthikeyan are looking for a seat at the IndyCar World Championship. Outside Motorsport, he has been an active commentator associated with Sky Sports F1 and Fox Sports Asia.

Armaan Ebrahim

Armaan Ibrahim has shown a lot of talent at a young age. After competing in Formula 2 for two years, he is currently competing in GT1 World Championship. His father, Akbar Ebrahim was highly involved in motorsport during the 80s and 90s.

Gaurav Gill

Gaurav Gill is an Indian rally diver, who has competed in both national and international rally championships. In 2013, he became the first Indian to win the Asia Pacific Rally Championship. This year, he also participated in few rounds of World Rally Championship/

Jehan Daruvala

The 15 year old Force India Academy driver has shown a lot of promise in Karting Championships. He recently won the British Karting Championship, the same championship which was previously won by the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Sebastian Buemi and British drivers Nigel Mansell and Jenson Button.