Problems for Chandhok

Indian rookie yet to turn a lap for new F1 team

Last updated: 12th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Problems for Chandhok

Chandhok: Latecomer

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Karun Chandhok says he is in for a "character building" Formula One baptism after Hispania Racing failed to get his car ready in time for Friday's opening practice sessions in Bahrain.

The Indian driver was left a frustrated spectator in the pits at the Sakhir circuit as mechanics for the new HRT team struggled in vain to fix what Chandhok termed "loads of problems".

Team-mate Bruno Senna did get on the track, although the uphill task Hispania face was laid bare by the fact his best lap was a massive 11.559 seconds slower than pacesetter Nico Rosberg.

The team are now hoping to fix Chandhok's car in time for Saturday's final practice session ahead of qualifying.

However, given that the 26-year-old only signed for Hispania last week and therefore failed to take part in any pre-season testing, it remains the case that he has yet to complete a single lap for his new team.

"We've had a load of problems, obviously coming late to the programme," said Chandhok, who was only granted an F1 superlicence on Thursday. "They can't seem to get the clutch and gearbox working the right way.

"There have been about five occasions in the last 24 hours when we thought we would be okay, and then something went wrong. It's frustrating for the mechanics as well, because they have been working since last night.

"It's some sort of electronic or hydraulic issue, I don't think it's mechanical. It's not an ideal situation, but we've been a but luckier on Bruno's car which at least got out of the garage."

Problem multiplies

That the team are even present in Bahrain is an achievement given the problems they have faced since being granted a place on the grid last year.

Formerly Campos Meta, the team were taken over by chief shareholder José Ramón Carabante last month, with former Midland, Spyker and Force India team principal Colin Kolles then tasked with pulling them into shape.

Chandhok admitted the complete absence of any running is posing a big problem ahead of his F1 debut.

"Even the teams who have been in F1 for a long time, there is a lot to learn, so for a new team and a new driver you can imagine that problem multiplies," he said. "It's not an easy situation.

"We all knew coming into the weekend that it is going to be tough, but we were at least hoping to do some sort of a shakedown today. That was the plan. It is what it is.

"Medium to long term I am optimistic, but it certainly looks like the first four races are going to be character building."