Having being a formula 1 fan ever since i was a child, always wished to see my country, India, in the formula 1 arena. Though had a glimpse of this reality when Narain Karthikeyan was chosen to drive the Jordan F1 team, but as they say the dream was short lived. With some end-of-row starts, the lad tried his best but never could match the champions.
But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining things have changed and in 2008 it was a historical event. India steps into the F1 arena with Mr. Vijay Mallya acquiring the struggling Spker team and adding India’s name in the elite list. Having one’s nation’s name on the side of a car does fill me with emotion, especially for a boy who used to watch the sport all along right from childhood. It’s a pride for a nation and I surely think it to be one the greatest things to happen to India atleast in the last decade.
You can call it fate, but the same team with which Narain Karthikeyan was associated is the same team which Mr. Vijay Mallya has bought. During Narain’s time it was the Jordan F1, which then came to be known as Midland F1, which then was acquired by someone to rename it to Spker F1 and now the prestigious FORCE INDIA.
One may argue, that the team is not doing great even now, but every great team has come from ruins. Even Ferrari to name a few. Times will surely change, with the engine backing from Ferrari and technological advances. Will surely see an Indian driver in the lineup and it surely will be a momentous ocassion to see one of our drivers up on the victory stand. Negotiations are also on to host a formula 1 race in India. Hoping that day will come soon and thanks to Mr. Vijay Mallya again, cheers to India! Cheers to Indian F1! Go India Go!