Narain feels the Formula-1 heat

TALK OF pressure, you can be sure Narain Karthikeyan is finally facing the rigours of Formula One. Just that this time it has nothing to do with finding sponsors to be with Team Jordan, but coming to terms with assorted harsh realities.

TALK OF pressure, you can be sure Narain Karthikeyan is finally facing the rigours of Formula One. Just that this time it has nothing to do with finding sponsors to be with Team Jordan, but coming to terms with assorted harsh realities.

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The start of the season in Melbourne’s Albert Park was a good baptism. He finished 14th — the kind of start no one expected from a rookie.

Four months down the lane, after 8 races and with 11 to go, he is struggling to find pace. At least that is what the new Jordan Team boss is saying.

In F-1, there is pressure on almost every driver and when you are in a team like Jordan or Minardi, one that is trying to survive at all costs, the pressure is immense even though the drivers have paid for their seats up front.

This time, with more than half the season left, if there are media reports emanating from various sources that Jordan is looking for new faces or Narain needs to get quicker, take it with more than a pinch of salt.

Narain’s driving style may not be the smoothest compared to the likes of Kimi Raikkonen and the rest but he doesn’t lack in aggression. Only, adapting to the completely different world of F1 takes time.

Jordan may have a case that they want more from Narain. But given the kind of car they have put on the grid this year — basically the same as in 2004, changed a bit here and there to match the specs—no one could probably have done anything.

Even if you put Alonso or Schumi in this Jordan car, the timings aren’t going to be any better!

Having watched Narain, it is clear that where he lacks is not in question, but what the car lacks, is.

At a time when some teams have already started R&D on cars for the next season, Jordan is still waiting to launch their new car. They say it will come by July!

But in this battle for top finishes in the rear, if Narain has to actually survive, Jordan may not be the best team for the future. He has the talent and is working on his fitness.

But if you take Schumacher as the benchmark, at 36, he still comes out fresh in the last lap and clocks better than his qualifying time.

Being on top has a lot to do with experience but also with physical fitness and mental strength. Narain also probably has to work on his PR, avoid reacting to criticism, be it from other drivers like Jacqeus Villeneuve or his own team.

He’s done okay. The aberration so far has been going into the wall in Monaco. With the circus shifting back to Europe after Indianapolis, and hopefully with the new Jordan car out, Narain’s real test will begin.

Nobody expects the new Jordan to be giving the McLarens, Renaults, and Ferrari a run for their money. The fight is with the tail, and if he gets down to sorting out the Minardis, he would have proved his point.

Till such time, Narain has no option but to deal with pressure day after day - be it in the pit area or the track.

This is a white world. One where a “black” man is still unwelcome.

The media statements in the last few weeks are proof of it.