Date:24/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/24/stories/2008052456302000.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

Chandhok finishes third in Monaco

— File Photo

Karun Chandhok.

Chennai: India’s Karun Chandhok achieved his first podium finish of the 2008 GP2 motorsport series by finishing third at Monaco on Friday.

Karun rose from sixth on the grid, to take the final place at the podium. He made it a one-three result for iSport, with teammate Bruno Senna triumphing.

The 24-year-old Chennai racer went ahead of series leader Giorgio Pantano off the start line, and was in the fifth position for the first portion of the race. Thereafter he managed to move ahead to fourth and raced past Mike Conway, who failed to avoid a collision with Javier Villa, to bag the final podium place.

“To be on the podium in Monaco is the best place in the world. This track isn’t physically difficult, but it’s mentally challenging, so to finish in the top-three is something. It is a great relief after a difficult second race in Istanbul, and I’m delighted that the team got both its drivers on the podium. It’s amazing to have the Indian tri-colour up above the Royal Box here in Monaco,” said Karan, who is backed by Red Bull, JK Tyre, Amaron and ICSA Logistics.

Karan also added that he had to overcome difficulties. “I really had a bad run with the traffic in qualifying and the first half of my race was compromised by where I qualified. I was stuck behind Adrian Valles, but once that cleared, my pace was good and I was able to close in on those ahead.”