Karun Chandhok, who is due to drive for the Hispania Racing F1 Team in in 2010, talks to espnstar.com on a range of issues.

Chandhok will be the second Indian driver to compete in Formula One after Narain Karthikeyan in 2005. He will drive for the Hispania alongside former GP2 teammate Bruno Senna.

Q: What are the major challenges you are expecting as you settle down to switch over to the biggest circuit in the world?

A: It’s just an unbelievable feeling! I am ecstatic to be able to fulfil a lifelong dream to break into Formula One. We’ve been working for so many years for this opportunity, and now that we’ve finally made it, it feels a bit surreal to be honest. Ever since I was a kid all I wanted to do was be in Formula 1 – I didn’t want to be a doctor or lawyer or anything else and this week is the realization of that dream. Am definitely looking forward to racing against Schumacher and Alonso.

The first race weekend is going to be a rally tough weekend as we are yet to test the car. While all the other teams have tested for more than 10 days we will be going straight to Free Practice One. However we have a good set of people working with us and I am confident by mid-season we will be competitive.

Q: Your father, Vicky Chandhok, has been a leading voice in Indian motorsport. How has his guidance helped you along the way?

A: My father has always had a huge influence on me and has been with me through each step of the way. It was a very emotional day for my parents when the announcement finally came out and I’m sure they were thinking about all the years of sacrifice and work we all had to put in! My dad is hugely passionate about the sport and it’s been a bit ambition for him as much as it is for me for us to be in Formula 1 so I’m sure this weekend in Bahrain will be a very special day for my family.

Q: Do you think your stint as an F1 driver will create more awareness and interest in the sport in India? How do you look at the sport developing in India, especially with yourself and the likes of Armaan Ibrahim blossoming?

A: Well judging by the reaction I have received back home, it has already made a big impact. It’s been fantastic. I have had so many messages on my Twitter page and my website, that it’s been quite overwhelming. I must say I am really overwhelmed by the response I have got back in India. There has been so much support from within India and also the Indian communities around the world, who have said that they will come to the races with Indian flags to support me which is great to hear.

The media have been very good over the last few days and the coverage back home has been excellent, I hear. Motorsport has been on the rise in the country for the last couple of years and with the Indian GP scheduled to take place in 2011, awareness will increase. Obviously there is a lot of hype and expectation on me from India, with 1.2 billion people and I will do my best not to disappoint anyone. I hope many more companies step up to promote motorsport in the country as they stand to gain a lot.

Q: What kind of pressure will you face to keep up Indian expectations after a not-so bright stint from Kartikeyan as a F1 driver?

A: The pressure will be high with 1.2 billion behind you but I one thing I promise is that I will give it my all. As already mentioned we will have a tough start so hope to be competitive mid-season.

Q: Who have been your favourite F1 drivers?

A: Alain Prost used to be my favourite driver in the 80-90’s while Schumacher was my favourite in more recent times.

Q: Are you happy with F1 safety regulations especially after Massa's accident last year?

A: F1 has been a safe sport for a long time now so I have no worries at all.

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