EST 2016
WEC and endurance racing coverage with trackside insight
Race analysis, photography, and media for teams and fans
90 Seconds with Le Mans and F1 driver, Karun Chandhok
What would you be if not a racing driver?
Probably a commentator. Oh wait.....!
Do you have any pre-race superstitions?
I wouldn't say I have any superstitions but I suppose I've just got into the habit of getting into the car from the right side so if do get in from the other side it feels a bit weird! I used to have things like lucky gloves, lucky race suit, etc. but then my sponsors changed so my race suit changed and from that day onwards I gave up on superstitions!
What is your favourite racing circuit?
I have a few - Monaco, Suzuka, Silverstone and Le Mans. All very different but all equally enjoyable in my book.
Who do you admire the most?
From life in general, I would say Gandhi and Martin Luther King. They were true revolutionaries who changed the world. From racing drivers, I grew up idolising Alain Prost, Mario Andretti and Jim Clark.
Favourite food?
Indian - of course! I do also enjoy Thai and Mexican. So basically, spicy stuff!
Which other series would you like to race in?
Of course every driver dreams of driving in F1 at the front but I do think that the IMSA series and WEC are both very good championships.
What road car / bike do you drive?
Mercedes E class estate! I can load the boot up full of my bike, kit, etc and road trip without worrying about space.
Most memorable racing moment?
Hmm... I would have to pick 3 - (1) My first F1 race in Bahrain 2010 (2) winning the GP2 race in Spa in 2007 (3) Being the first - and so far only - Indian to race at Le Mans in 2012.
Do you have any tattoo's, if so what and where (be honest!)?
Nope! Honestly never understood why people would do that to their bodies!
Karun Chandhok is part of a very exclusive club of only two Indian Formula 1 drivers. A multiple race winner and podium finisher in GP2, Karun was a test driver for the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team in 2007 and 2008, before going on to race in Formula 1 for Hispania Racing and Team Lotus in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Since 2012, he has been competing in Sportscars, becoming the only Indian to ever compete in the iconic Le Mans 24 hour race, finishing in the top 6 in class at Le Mans in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Karun also joined Mahindra Racing for the all new Formula E series, a historic new championship for Electric race cars for the inaugural season in 2014-2015.