Karun Chandhok became the second Indian to get a taste of Formula One power, courtesy, Red Bull Racing, and the 23-year-old said driving alongside David Coulthard in his maiden F1 test was mind blowing. And later, speaking to The Indian Express, he said that the “memories would definitely not be short on this one”. With Red Bull Racing Team principal Christian Horner saying that “he acquitted himself well and contributed significantly,” Chandhok, it seemed, made his mark.

Talking from Barcelona, Chandhok spoke about his future plans and his first impressions of the RB3.

Excerpts:

In terms of targets set by Red Bull how did you fare?

•Not bad actually. In fact they were surprised that I was not far off. However, had it not been for repeated software glitches, it could have been better....I guess. The feedback I gave them was the type they were expecting and Red Bull have certainly kept me on their radar as a possible test driver.

How different was the drive considering the GP2 experience you carried forward?

•With the test adhering to the new regulations to be in implemented next season, there was no difference. In GP2 the cars are run without traction control, so basically it helped me. Moreover, the GP2 car actually feels bigger so psychologically it’s not a big problem to get into a F1 car. The innumerable controls on the steering wheel, and the procedures to follow during the drive was different.

Could you single out what amazed you handling an F1 machine?

... contd.