Chennai, May 21 (Inditop) India’s Karun Chandhok is hoping for a change in luck as he heads to Monaco this weekend for the next round of the Formula GP2 motor sport series.
The Chennai-born Chandhok, driving for the debutant Ocean Racing Technology team run by former Formula One Portugese driver Tiago Monteiro, will be looking to get his season off to a start after drawing a blank in Barcelona. He is hoping to do a repeat of last year’s podium finish at one of his favourite circuits.
Speaking on the upcoming weekend, Chandhok said: “Monaco has always been one of my favourites as it’s a great circuit and a fantastic challenge for all drivers. With the barriers so close, there is no room for even the slightest error and this is what makes Monaco one of the best tracks in the world. I have fond memories here including my podium last year and my objective this weekend is to score as many points as possible.”
The street circuit has many elevation changes, tight corners as well as the high speed sections around the casino and swimming pool, which make it one of the most demanding tracks on Formula One.
Unlike other circuits, experience and high levels of concentration have to be used to get a good result at this circuit. A key factor that will determine the outcome of the Monaco GP is qualifying, according to Chandhok.
He said: “Overtaking is really tough, so getting a good qualifying position is very important here. It is a full on street circuit and hence, it is very tough to attempt any real overtaking manoeuvres unless the car in front makes a mistake or has a problem.
“Track position here is everything we will have to make sure we take advantage of the practice session in order to get the car set up perfectly for qualifying.”
Acknowledging the support from his sponsors, Chandhok said: “My partners have shown fantastic support and we are all very excited to work with ORT this year. Punj Lloyd, JK Tyre and Amaron continue to back my programme and I am very grateful to them. We are looking forward to a strong season together.”
rounak