Don’t want to be a one-year wonder, says Karun Chandok

Are you ready for the challenge?
It’s going to be extremely difficult. But I am ready and have enough experience in GP2. I’ve a matured enough head to take the next step. My aim is to be in Formula One for a long time, not just a one-year wonder.

What about your fitness?
Physically I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been. Formula One cars are particularly demanding on the neck because of the higher speeds and G-forces. So, I have been doing special exercises and concentrating on building up my neck muscles. The first couple of races will be hard but I’m pushing myself in the gym as much as I can.

Do you think it’s a risk to join Hispania Racing (formerly Campos Meta) considering the fact that few weeks ago there was speculation that they might not make it to the first Grand Prix in Bahrain?
It’s a risk, but at the end of the day I’m one out of the 24 drivers in the world who can say they are Formula One drivers. And that’s a special feeling. Opportunities are few and far in Formula One. My teammate Bruno Senna is in the same boat as mine. Gaining experience in the Formula One is much more important.

The speculation of you joining Hispania Racing was on for a couple of weeks. Why did it take such a long time to materialise?
You have to remember that Colin Kolles (team principal) took charge of the team only three weeks ago. Before that Adrian Campos was in charge. So effectively, in three weeks’ time Kolles had built the team. He was busy hiring people to get the team running. Appointing drivers is one job in the list, not the only one. It took a little longer than expected but I’m happy with the deal.

Did a good equation with Kolles help?
Yes, it did. I didn’t have a good season in GP2 last year but he knew about my potential. He knew I’m a capable driver. With the team being put together in a short span of time, Kolles felt that hiring a mature driver, who can handle problems and work well with the engineers, is a necessity. All these factors worked in my favour.

What does this mean for the country?
It’s huge. We’ve an Indian Formula One team, a Grand Prix will soon be held in the country and so it’s really important to have an Indian driver on the grid as well. People get accustomed to sport more easily than a company or a place.

What have you been upto since the launch?
It has been a hectic week leading to the car launch. I have spent the whole of Friday at the team factory at Murcia, getting acquainted with the team. Now I will head for Bahrain on Tuesday where the real work starts.

Will your family be there in Bahrain?
We didn’t have time to talk about it as I was busy throughout the week. But my dad (Vicky Chandhok) will be there in Bahrain. My mother is not keeping well, so she can’t travel.