Q When did you started racing?

This dates back a long time. Samir, my dad, used to be a touring car driver and a 4X4 rallye car driver. I was two years old…

Later even my sister who is three years older than me also tried karting But she prefers watching but she cracked under pressure…and went back to watching f3.

Q What is your best memory?

My first podium and my first race were lousy. This I remember very well. I won my second race however. My Dad started his own karting team after that. Then Imran came on board from the FBMW driver Petronas series.

I learned a lot from him and competed and won almost every race in Malaysia since I have been working with him.

Q How did you meet Peter Thompson?

Peter Thompson was in contact with my Dad from the start. Meritus was looking for new drivers. I was doing well. We met in Macau for the international go-kart grand prix. After that, I did a test. It boosted my performance in kart racing. I was top 5 in the first test and then I did well also in the second test.

Then I had to make a choice. Either another year in karting or go up into Formula racing. This is what I did. I just wanted to achieve more.

For the first season, as a rookie I have been doing well with three podiums.

Other drivers have a lot of experience. So six more races on this Indian track and we will see where I stop.

Q as a rookie… How did you learn the Indian track?

Well simple. I learnt it in the simulator. Just like last year in Philippines or almost every race. I have been improving step by step. I scored a fifth place finish in Singapore after a start from P8. I also had two safety cars period disrupt my race. In fact I did not get enough track time during the Singapore race. I had a problem too and went into the wall in the first race. It was my mistake and I am sorry for the team.

Here in India, I had three weeks of practice to familiarize myself with the track on the F1 car simulator with Earl Bamber our team’s coach and I am very close to his best time.

Q What do you want to achieve?

Finish practice. Finish the full qualifying session and finish the two races.

Q What is the secret to a good race?

Stay relaxed and calm. I need to improve on thinking and analyse better the results. I also need to plan and anticipate.

Q Do you like F1 races?

Of course, and I have not missed a single race since 2003; watching every event closely on TV. On top I watched the 2004 Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.

Q What is your preferred race?

Singapore I suppose. Also after my race, I stayed to watch the F1. It is more challenging to race at night. It feels like driving in the day. But it is not as easy and you may lose the breaking point and go straight.

Q Who is your favourite driver?

I am a fan of Lewis Hamilton. He is my hero. I like his driving style. He is aggressive. The Korean Grand Prix race was one of his best races. His qualifying was good. He showed how relaxed he was.

Q and F1…?

I would say that it is a very perfect mix: A lot with the car, but a lot with the driver too. Button for instance can conserve the car better. But Hamilton is just the class above.

At Ferrari, Alonso has an excellent race base but poor qualifying usually.

Q How do you rate F1 overall?

It is entertaining! You have 5 world champions competing this year. DRS, overtaking, just great fun to watch

Q What are you after?

I remember my first win in karting with Yamaha. But I want my first win on this track for instance…I have Indian blood from my grandmothers even though I am a Malaysian! So that would make me proud for my family roots to win here.