Narain Karthikeyan
FameRank: 4

"Kumar Ram Narain Karthikeyan" is the first Formula One motor racing driver from India. He has previously competed in A1GP, and the Le Mans Series. He made his Formula One debut in with the Jordan Grand Prix/Jordan team, and was a Williams F1 test driver in and . Like several other former F1 drivers, Karthikeyan moved to stock car racing and drove the #60 Safe Auto Insurance Company Toyota Tundra for Wyler Racing in the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2011 he returned to F1 with the HRT F1/HRT team, continued with the team in 2012 and was expected to drive for them in the 2013 season as well. However, HRT was not included in the FIA's 2013 entry list, and thus Karthikeyan was left without a drive. In 2013, Karthikeyan raced in the Auto GP series, securing 5 wins and 4 pole positions with Super Nova Racing. For 2014, Karthikeyan has signed up with Team Impul, to race in the Japanese Super Formula series.

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A grand prix would help improve our image.

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At least I established the limits of my EJ15B. Overall the car was good. I did my fastest time of 1.14.906 on my 41st lap. I hope I have another good race in Japan. All drivers love the track there. I have competed in the Japanese 3000 championship and like the place.

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I know that the circuit has been quite successful in the past for the team where they scored their first ever Formula One World Championship points in their history.

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It has taken some while to resolve what I would be doing for 2006, but having tested for Williams late last year, joining the team was the best option for me.

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I hope I will have another good race in Japan.

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I don't want Indian youngsters to go through what I experienced, hunting for sponsorships and trying to find my way up. Ten years ago, most people would have laughed at the thought of an Indian making it to Formula 1. But I've changed that and I believe I've paved the way for Indian youngsters. We're a country of a billion people and I'm sure a lot more racing talent can be found here.

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