Karthikeyan hopes to out-pace A1 GP rivals

As swanky Ferrari-powered cars throng the A1 GP grid, Team India spearhead Narain Karthikeyan reckons his Formula One experience would stand him in good stead and a top-six finish is quite an achievable target for the outfit.

Karthikeyan believes the introduction of Ferrari engines and chassis, following A1 GP's six-year deal with the Italian giant, will reduce the gap with Formula One and would be almost akin to driving an F1 car.

"Though it's going to be an unknown territory for all the drivers, who are yet to see the new car, I know what to expect," Karthikeyan told reporters after Team India unveiled its new livery and rookie drivers Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiv Sureshwaran here on Wednesday.

"I believe my Formula One experience would help," he said. Karthikeyan sniffs his chance in the first three races after, which A1 GP would have a two-month gap.

"We have to do well in the first three races. After that, there is a two-month break and others might catch up with us by that time," said Karthikeyan, who became the first Indian F1 driver when he joined Jordan in 2005 and was Williams' test driver the next year.

"Hardly any A1 GP driver has Formula One experience and that is a huge boost for us," Team India CEO Andaleeb Sehgal said.

David Clare, CEO of A1 GP Asia Pacific, also shared the view and said, "Team India has done reasonably well in the last season and with Narain's Formula One experience, I think they would win more races this year.

After all, Narain understands the car faster than any other driver. "I expect Team India to be the most competitive Asia Pacific outfit this season," he added.