By Neena Bhandari, IANS
Eastern Creek (Sydney) : Narain Karthikeyan-led Team India finished a respectable 11th in the A1GP Feature race as rain caused havoc here Sunday.
India improved its pace significantly as speed king Karthikeyan familiarised himself with the unknown track against the odds of changing weather and track conditions.
Earlier in the day, Karthikeyan had said, “It is a track I have never raced on before. The track surface was particularly bumpy and wore the tyres out very quickly. However, the car is looking good and I am expecting a top 10 qualifying position Sunday.”
In addition to the traditional motorsport fan base, the A1GP is now attracting a new lot of spectators passionate about their country and heritage. A large number of Indian fans, dressed in blue T-shirts turned up to cheer India Sunday as the race produced high-speed adrenaline fuelled action at every turn.
A few days ago while visiting Sydney’s Wildlife World in Darling Harbour, Karthikeyan had said, “It was a great experience to get hands on with some of Australia’s most dangerous animals. There were various snakes, lizards and of course the famous koala bears. It is great to see so much local support and Indian fan following when we are so far away from home.”
Launched in March 2004, the A1GP World Cup of motorsport brings together 25 nations representing 80 percent of the world’s population to compete as equals, without financial or technological advantage.
The A1GP car’s overall length is 4,833 mm, with a long wheelbase of 3,000 mm. Weighing just 120 kg, the car’s engine is one of the smallest and lightest (3.4-litre engines ever made), but is considered as one of the most durable.
A wide track of 1,468 mm (rear) and 1,476 mm (front) also gives the car an excellent cornering stability.
Located just 40 minutes from the centre of Sydney, Eastern Creek is the hub of motorsport in New South Wales. It also provides the world’s largest karting facility and is considered as the nation’s leading drag racing complex.
Eastern Creek International Raceway plays host to a number of motorsport events in the country, including annual rounds of the Australian V8 Supercar Championship and Classic Motorcycle Racing.