Date:10/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/10/stories/2008111056981800.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

India finishes 10th

CHENNAI: A1 Team India finished 10th in the sprint as well as the feature race in the A1GP at Chengdu (China) on Sunday.

Speaking on the outcome of the race, driver Narain Karthikeyan said, “I think we have had a satisfactory performance and this weekend has been more of a testing for us with the new car. It also feels good to have opened our points tally with this race as well.

“There are a lot of aspects of the new Ferrari car that I need to get used to like the launch control, braking distance and other driving techniques.

“In the feature race I managed to take over Lebanon on the second turn and after the second pit stop managed to climb up to the ninth and then finally the tenth position.

“I think the key is to qualify better and that is what I will work hard towards in the forthcoming races. I also realise how fitness plays a very important role in terms of endurance in these cars. I will need to focus on neck and lower back exercises to be better prepared for a better performance in the next race in Sepang, Malaysia (November 23).”