Today, Mika Hakkinen took part in the opening of the first karting track in India to receive official FIA certification. The new sports facility is part of a motor racing complex in the south of the country, 40 km from the city of Chennai, and its appearance will give an impetus to the development of Indian motorsport.
It is symbolic that the abbreviated name of the karting track is MIKA, from Madras International Karting Arena (“Madras International Karting Arena”), and apparently this became an additional reason to invite the two-time world champion to the presentation.
For this purpose, Hakkinen made a stopover in Chennai on his way to the Singapore Grand Prix, and the opening ceremony was also attended by two former Indian Formula 1 drivers: Karun Chandhok and Narain Karthikeyan.
It was Mika who was tasked with cutting the symbolic ribbon at the 1.2km-long MIKA karting track, after which he posed for photos with young Indian racers, telling them about the road they had to travel to become world champions.
“I like the name MIKA because it sounds like my name! – the famous Finn began cheerfully, but continued in a more serious tone. – You should not only be able to enjoy victories, but also learn to lose and control your emotions.
As you begin to climb the racing ladder, a whole new world opens up to you. You will experience intense pressure from your family, friends and the teams you play for. And you have to be able to handle it all. Remember the most important thing: success depends on the ability to use your head correctly.”
After talking to young kart drivers and the press, Hakkinen, together with Karthikeyan and Chandhok, drove some demonstration laps on specially prepared electric karts.
“Karting is a great way to start a career in motorsports, and the MIKA kart track will be the first step for the boys to take their first steps. I hope they will enjoy the stage of their career dedicated to karting,” said Mika Häkkinen at the farewell. – This is my first time in Chennai and I was happy to take part in the opening of the kart track together with Narain and Karun, as they were the only Indian Formula 1 racers.
Karting is a very important stage in the career of any driver as he starts his journey to F1. The investment of the local car club will play a big role in the development of future Indian drivers.
The track configuration on the new kart track is very interesting and has a great variety of curves. It meets all modern safety standards and is comparable to the best kart tracks in the world.”
The MIKA project was developed by the British company Driven International with the active participation of Karun Chandhok, who acted as a consultant. There is an artificial lighting system, a modern race control center and charging stations for electric karts.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
