Formula One news

2005 'not bad' - Karthikeyan

Although the public perception might be different, Narain Karthikeyan has described his rookie season in formula one as 'not bad'. But the slender Indian says he has 'given up trying to educate' his home country about how success at the pinnacle of motor sport is not possible without a top car.

Karthikeyan, 29, became the first Indian ever to race in grands prix this year, for Jordan. But he lamented to the 'DNA India' publication: "It became difficult to keep explaining that there was little I could do on the grid."

Expectations at home rose again when the long awaited 'new car' arrived at Monza. But Narain protests: "It was hardly a new car -- just the old one with some new bodywork."

Teammate Tiago Monteiro seemed to take most of the plaudits at the yellow-clad team -- he beat Karthikeyan to the Indianapolis podium, and enjoyed enviable reliability. The Portuguese also seemed to get along with team boss Colin Kolles, while he and Karthikeyan supposedly fell out. But, over a single lap, 'NK' probably had the edge. Of the 24 qualifying laps in 2005, Karthikeyan was ahead 15:9. Narain insists: "I am quicker but Monteiro finished more."

more news

• 14 Oct.
  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could become night race
  • Haug: Di Resta won't race in F1 next year
  • BMW to support Kubica in his championship battle
  • Bridgestone to bring its hardest compounds to China
  • Glock ready to bounce back
  • Trulli hopes Chinese luck will change
• 13 Oct.
  • Alonso willing to help Massa
  • Brawn: China won't be any different
  • Hamilton blames Massa for crash
  • Kubica not giving up on championship
  • Alonso confident for last two races
• 12 Oct.
  • A point and a crash for Red Bull
  • Ferrari salvages eight crucial points
  • Kubica takes BMW's eleventh podium of season
  • McLaren reels from major blow
  • Second win crowns major Renault pay day
  • Bourdais penalty hands Massa extra point
  • No joy for Williams in Japan
  • Four home points for Toyota
  • Pointless day for Honda
  • Mixed feelings for Force India
  • Hamilton admits mistake, vows to stay aggressive
  • Delighted Alonso celebrates victory
  • Untouchable Alonso storms to second victory
  • Photos: Sunday at Fuji
• 11 Oct.
  • Honda to announce 2009 driver line-up after the season
  • Ferrari faces uphill battle
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Another double top ten for Toro Rosso
  • McLaren delighted with qualifying
  • Back row again for Force India
  • BMW hopes rest with Kubica
  • Alonso keeps Renault competitive
  • Honda continues to struggle at Fuji
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole

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