Ecclestone supports Chandhok
Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his support for Indian driver Karun Chandhok, arguing that the 26-year-old rookie needs the right equipment in order to showcase his skills effectively. The
HRT racer has suffered an unsuccessful season after failing to earn any decent finishes, partially due to the technical shortcomings of his vehicle.
“I definitely want to see Karun in a better car next year,” Ecclestone told the Times of India. “He served his apprenticeship in a car that he could do nothing about. He really needs to be in a team where
he can show his potential, because I think he can be very, very good if he gets the right car.”
Ecclestone’s comments echo the sentiments of 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton, who believes that Chandhok has much to show the racing world. “Karun is a very good driver and he adapted to the Formula One setup
quite fast,” insisted Hamilton.
“However, he is unlucky because his team couldn't provide him a good car. It is a common case in F1, you see. The new drivers struggle not because they are less skilled but because the car makes all the
difference. And Karun is as skilled as any of us. That is why he is there. A better car would have seen him fight for points. He understands the nuances of the sport very well, and if he is able to get a better car, he would be able to make a big difference.”
Chandhok’s F1 debut with HRT was less than dazzling, with a series of hydraulic problems plaguing the car and rendering it barely fit for racing. After two crashes and three retired races due to technical
issues, the driver was replaced by Japan’s Sakon Yamamoto at the German Grand Prix and has been off the track since.
Given HRT’s current record in both the technical and financial department, it is unlikely that Chandhok will attempt to return with the Spanish-based team for the 2011 season. Instead, the Chennai native
has expressed interest in home-grown team Force India, with whom he was affiliated in 2008 as a possible test and reserve driver.
The commercial benefits of joining the company as well as the competitive ones are highly regarded by Ecclestone, who will welcome India’s first Grand Prix next year. “Having an Indian team is obviously
a big help," he acknowledged, “[but] an Indian driver will be an even better deal.”
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