I started racing 14 years ago in go kart.

It is a bit hard for an Indian racer with no infrastructure in the country, a bit of an original move for a country where cricket is the number one sport. Sponsors usually have no interest and it is not really the sport in the country.

My first sponsor however was the Sujane steel company which I met through a PR agency.

Q Do you remember your first win?

Yes of course. I was nine years old. It was a local race and then I won in the under 12, under 16t and open classes.

Q what makes you strong?

My family. My father Dinnesh is an ex professional bike racer.

Then we worked together on the racing concept. I won the national championship. I represented India in final. I won the final! Then I was seven years in a row India’s Championship winner. In 2007, I received the BMW scholarship and went with Eurasia.

Q What does the first India Grand Prix mean for you?

It is phenomenal and important. Imagine what it makes you feel like to race in front of the eyeballs of your fellow citizens for the first time; an Indian driver on the track for the first time and part of the show. I have the mission to represent my country and achieve something good for my fans in my fan club.

Q how well do you know the Meritus car?

We are just back from a four day test in Johor Baru in Malaysia. I ran one second quicker than the Meritus bench mark time on the Johor Baru track. You have to adapt to the circuit.

Q And the secret for the Indian GP?

You have to get familiar. Not too eager. With a short 30 minute practice you do not have a second chance. You have to get your act together very early. Then it is all about an excellent qualifying result. You want to finish the race and to finish on the podium.