Have fun but be safe, Raj Bharath tells fans; MRF Challenge begins in Chennai Saturday

By Niveditha Neelam

Bangalore, 23 January 2015: Excerpts from an interview as Raj Bharath prepares for the season beginning at the Madras Motor Race Track tomorrow. Currently he is third in the standings of MRF Challenge and will also begin his campaign in the National Championship.

Q&A with Raj Bharath

The season begins in Chennai tomorrow, the last phase of the MRF Challenge. How did you prepare for it?

I have just been training more regularly, putting some extra work with my trainer Ramji Srinivasan in Chennai. My toughest competitor on-track are likely to be Toby Sowery and Ryan Cullen from UK as both are ahead of me in the championship standings.

What is your message for other Indian Formula 1 aspirants?

Follow your dreams but you need to understand from day one that it is a very tough dream to live. A lot of work is needed in the car, in terms of driving technique, as well as out of the car, in terms of the physical/mental training as well as sponsorship – which sadly is the single largest hurdle in our country.

 

Do you think Indian Formula One Fans have become more aware of the talent pool at home?

 

Despite Formula 1’s popularity in India, I still feel that most F1 and international motorsport fans in India are not aware of home-grown talent in junior ranks.

 

Which is the biggest challenge you face as a Formula 1 aspirant in India?

 

Of course Sponsorship – it has been the same all along for every aspiring racer in India. It is extremely difficult to sell corporates on motorsport.

 

What are your goals for 2015?

 

My goal is to participate in a Formula 3 level championship in 2015 and make a proper step up in my racing career.

 

What do you enjoy apart from Racing?

 

Playing cue sports, Playstation and table tennis.

 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

 

I want to prove myself on an international stage and do my country proud, that is my source of inspiration.

 

How are you managing your studies along with a full-fledged career as a Racer? What is your mantra for focus?

 

It’s not so difficult to manage as unlike most other drivers I do not go abroad for testing very often, as funds are limited. Race weekends are maybe once every month so I am able to squeeze in decent attendance in college. Sometimes though there is a clash when examinations and race weekends are scheduled around the same time – and that is when I need to make a choice.

 

Share something about yourself that your fans don’t know yet.

 

Despite driving a lot on the track, I love driving and riding on the road. Going for long drives or just zipping around town on my motorcycle is something I continue to enjoy!

 

Any advice to your fans.

Of course, I strongly believe in Road Safety and I don’t drive without a seat-belt and don’t ride without a helmet! Have fun but be safe!!

 

You can follow Raj Bharath at

www.facebook.com/rajbracing

@RajBRacing

Coming soon www.RBRacing.com