Jump to content


Photo
* * * - - 4 votes

Narain Karthikeyan to join Force india ?


  • Please log in to reply
161 replies to this topic

#101 Ravenak

Ravenak
  • Member

  • 939 posts
  • Joined: September 12

Posted 10 February 2013 - 22:24

How do you figure that? Who knows what can happen with Formula One. I wouldn't be surprised if they gave him a race seat for his money, even if they say they're not in financial trouble.

Advertisement

#102 Victor

Victor
  • Member

  • 1,004 posts
  • Joined: March 04

Posted 10 February 2013 - 22:39

How do you figure that? Who knows what can happen with Formula One. I wouldn't be surprised if they gave him a race seat for his money, even if they say they're not in financial trouble.


I guess that's what I would do if I was in Vijay Mallya or Karthikeyan's shoes. But you are right, everything can happen in F1. I read today that Trully says F1 has become just a luxury rent a car for rich guys.

#103 Regiotap

Regiotap
  • Member

  • 126 posts
  • Joined: July 06

Posted 10 February 2013 - 22:52

Good news for Di Resta. First time he will defeat a teammate.



#104 F1ultimate

F1ultimate
  • Member

  • 2,991 posts
  • Joined: November 10

Posted 10 February 2013 - 22:56

Basically a third of next season's F1 drivers will be noobs. Might as well watch GP2 instead.

#105 Ravenak

Ravenak
  • Member

  • 939 posts
  • Joined: September 12

Posted 10 February 2013 - 23:04

Basically a third of next season's F1 drivers will be noobs. Might as well watch GP2 instead.


5 rookies from 22 drivers, that's 22 %.
6 rookies if Bianchi is confirmed, still 27%.

Try again.

Edited by Ravenak, 10 February 2013 - 23:05.


#106 Bloggsworth

Bloggsworth
  • Member

  • 9,394 posts
  • Joined: April 07

Posted 10 February 2013 - 23:05

I'd give the drive to Rossiter...

#107 understeer

understeer
  • Member

  • 256 posts
  • Joined: February 11

Posted 11 February 2013 - 00:00

How do you figure that? Who knows what can happen with Formula One. I wouldn't be surprised if they gave him a race seat for his money, even if they say they're not in financial trouble.


It is very much possible. Most of the sponsors in FI are booze companies owned by Mallya. Now one of Mallya's big spirits company is being sold to Diaego who will own 54%. With that goes Whyte&Mckay and Vladivar brands. Will the new company still fund the F1 team ? "Fly kingfisher" was turned to "kingfisher premium" (beer) since the beginning of 2012 due to the Airline troubles.
Mallya's personal net worth has plummeted according to Forbes.

Signs of financial trouble written all over....

#108 Jimisgod

Jimisgod
  • Member

  • 4,954 posts
  • Joined: July 09

Posted 11 February 2013 - 00:05

I'd give the drive to Rossiter...


Who? The guy who finished 7th in F3 in 2005?

14th in FR 3.5 in 2006?

I'm sorry but that would be a joke so complete it would drain the humor from the rest of the world. Seriously. Kobayashi without a drive and this guy, a 30 year old who was mediocre in low classes 7 years ago, gets a midfield drive?

Yes I'm aware of his testing roles. Not that it counted for Badoer, who actually had dozens or races under his belt.

The suggestions get more and more laughable each day. Will they hire a middle aged banker who drove karts once for a team building exercise next?

Edited by Jimisgod, 11 February 2013 - 00:07.


#109 NotSoSilentBob

NotSoSilentBob
  • Member

  • 1,667 posts
  • Joined: January 12

Posted 11 February 2013 - 03:54

I for one would welcome NK getting a decent drive once in his career. :up:

#110 packapoo

packapoo
  • Member

  • 731 posts
  • Joined: May 08

Posted 11 February 2013 - 04:17

di Resta and Karthikeyan?
What an absolutely bland pairing this would be.

Wonder what the chances are of potential brown paper bag carrying drivers for Force India having trouble convincing their sponsors to stump up for the ride, given the adverse publicity this team's leader and his cohort have created?

#111 Peat

Peat
  • Member

  • 8,837 posts
  • Joined: November 09

Posted 11 February 2013 - 08:05

Rossiter doesn't bring money. He isn't going to get the drive, so you can sleep easy Jimisgod.

And besides, people are delusional if they think that any deserves an F1 drive on talent alone. This bubble will burst in the next 5 years and the fall-out will not be pretty. Enjoy it while you can.

Edited by Peat, 11 February 2013 - 08:07.


#112 F.M.

F.M.
  • Member

  • 5,577 posts
  • Joined: April 08

Posted 11 February 2013 - 08:47

I'd much rather see Karun Chandhok :)

#113 kartincolin

kartincolin
  • New Member

  • 2 posts
  • Joined: February 13

Posted 11 February 2013 - 09:22

If Karthikeyan was to get the 2nd seat at Force India, it would completely undermine Formula 1 as a whole. He has done nothing to warrant a drive with a high end midfield team. With so many fast drivers (Frijns, Kobayashi, Valsecchi, Kovalainen) without seats for next year, it would be a disgrace if Karthikeyan was even considered for the drive, even taking the fact that he`s Indian into consideration. Jules Bianchi is a far more worthy occupant.

#114 noikeee

noikeee
  • Member

  • 23,177 posts
  • Joined: February 06

Posted 11 February 2013 - 09:44

Interesting, how would he perform though if he was hired. I'd say he would definitely finish last of the drivers in all established teams in the championship. And sometimes Caterham and Marussia drivers can give a run for his money as well, despite those teams having average drivers themselves.


He's not THAT bad he's at worst probably half a second per lap down on a established upper-midfield driver like di Resta. That's not enough for the Marussias and Caterhams to catch him although probably enough for him to struggle to ever get out of Q1 (with Q1 being harder to get out of now there's no HRT).

Why is Bianchi so hyped? People complain about di Resta being hyped, but never Bianchi. Yet he failed to win GP2, and even failed to win the less competitive GP2 Asia, and then failed to win WSR. All a bit Heikki, I reckon. At best a midfielder.


I agree Bianchi failed to meet the huge expectations he built up in F3, he looked the next Schumacher then - not anymore. However being F3 champion then runner-up in both GP2 and WSR points to a quick driver, adaptable to all categories, that deserves a shot in F1, certainly more than Narain Karthikeyan's 20th chance.

He may be the next Heikki yes (and notice Heikki is a worthy F1 driver even if he failed at the top), but there must be a reason Ferrari haven't given up on him yet, and I don't buy Nicolas Todt's influence as a huge factor - this is Ferrari they won't bankroll a driver they think is mediocre just due to influences.

Edited by noikeee, 11 February 2013 - 09:45.


#115 Rosberg

Rosberg
  • Member

  • 217 posts
  • Joined: October 12

Posted 11 February 2013 - 11:50

Maybe they are signing Narain to make Paul Di Resta look amazing ;)

#116 William Hunt

William Hunt
  • Member

  • 10,977 posts
  • Joined: July 01

Posted 11 February 2013 - 14:20

Maybe they are signing Narain to make Paul Di Resta look amazing ;)


Maybe the BBC will fund Karthikeyan's seat then :p
On a more serious note: I think di Resta is a good driver that doesn't deserve all the bashing, besides: it's not his fault that the BBC are hyping him so much.

#117 Brandz07

Brandz07
  • Member

  • 3,500 posts
  • Joined: February 10

Posted 11 February 2013 - 14:22

Forget Narain, lets get Nissany back.

#118 HaydenFan

HaydenFan
  • Member

  • 2,319 posts
  • Joined: February 09

Posted 11 February 2013 - 14:42

Forget Narain, lets get Nissany back.


His kid won a race in ADAC Formula Masters last season.

#119 William Hunt

William Hunt
  • Member

  • 10,977 posts
  • Joined: July 01

Posted 11 February 2013 - 16:11

http://planetf1.com/...to-Force-India-


Advertisement

#120 FerrariV12

FerrariV12
  • Member

  • 934 posts
  • Joined: October 04

Posted 11 February 2013 - 16:14

What is Ferrari's fascination with Bianchi? He's not even Italian.


Ferrari don't often hire Italians, but aren't shy about hiring from the diaspora (Andretti, Regazzoni, Alesi, Pironi, Barrichello, Massa, etc.)

#121 gillesthegenius

gillesthegenius
  • Member

  • 2,534 posts
  • Joined: July 11

Posted 11 February 2013 - 16:35

I'd much rather see Karun Chandhok :)


+1000

#122 Jacobss

Jacobss
  • Member

  • 188 posts
  • Joined: May 10

Posted 11 February 2013 - 17:33

I dont know why people are so against Karthikeyan. He never had to chance to proof how good he is. I would love to see people like him in a competetive car. Glad Perez get such a chance. Now I need to see drivers like Kobayashi or Hulkenberg in top cars. Sadly, it wont happen quickly. :rolleyes:

#123 Brandz07

Brandz07
  • Member

  • 3,500 posts
  • Joined: February 10

Posted 11 February 2013 - 19:27

His kid won a race in ADAC Formula Masters last season.


Yeah, in fact I noticed he's also running in the new European F3 Championship next year.

#124 Bloggsworth

Bloggsworth
  • Member

  • 9,394 posts
  • Joined: April 07

Posted 11 February 2013 - 19:37

Apparently there are 9 drivers under consideration for the seat, so each gets 38 minutes over the next two tests...

#125 Myrvold

Myrvold
  • Member

  • 15,887 posts
  • Joined: December 10

Posted 11 February 2013 - 19:54

Based on the old article that mentioned Barrichello and Villeneuve as well?

#126 Anderis

Anderis
  • Member

  • 7,345 posts
  • Joined: December 09

Posted 11 February 2013 - 20:10

I dont know why people are so against Karthikeyan. He never had to chance to proof how good he is. I would love to see people like him in a competetive car.

He was beaten by de la Rosa far too clearly to give any hope for decent performances in competitive car. There are others who deserve their chance much more.

#127 Rosberg

Rosberg
  • Member

  • 217 posts
  • Joined: October 12

Posted 11 February 2013 - 20:41

Apparently there are 9 drivers under consideration for the seat, so each gets 38 minutes over the next two tests...


I think I know where you got that source from but don't believe it as Senna is elsewhere and D'Ambrosio is with Lotus.

#128 understeer

understeer
  • Member

  • 256 posts
  • Joined: February 11

Posted 11 February 2013 - 21:02

He was beaten by de la Rosa far too clearly to give any hope for decent performances in competitive car. There are others who deserve their chance much more.


The same should apply for DiResta , Kobayashi & Senna , two of them are already out of F1. Glock and Kovalienen would have been out of F1 in 2010 if not for the new teams.
To be fair Karthikeyan was never far from Pdlr times inspite of not participating in practice 1 in most of the GPs.

#129 Myrvold

Myrvold
  • Member

  • 15,887 posts
  • Joined: December 10

Posted 11 February 2013 - 21:44

To be fair Karthikeyan was never far from Pdlr times inspite of not participating in practice 1 in most of the GPs.


I know this is just being an ass. But he did 10 FP1, that 50%, so most is not correct.

#130 understeer

understeer
  • Member

  • 256 posts
  • Joined: February 11

Posted 12 February 2013 - 14:12

I know this is just being an ass. But he did 10 FP1, that 50%, so most is not correct.


Agreed. 50% is not most.

#131 gm914

gm914
  • Member

  • 6,046 posts
  • Joined: September 09

Posted 12 February 2013 - 14:16

Agreed. 50% is not most.

I agree. It is some.

#132 ApexMouse

ApexMouse
  • Member

  • 909 posts
  • Joined: January 13

Posted 12 February 2013 - 17:59

Confirmed by matlab

#133 backpackerster

backpackerster
  • New Member

  • 20 posts
  • Joined: October 09

Posted 12 February 2013 - 18:26

I'd much rather see Karun Chandhok :)


why?? because he's a good commentator?

#134 Szoelloe

Szoelloe
  • Member

  • 7,054 posts
  • Joined: December 06

Posted 12 February 2013 - 18:30

why?? because he's a good commentator?


yes


#135 Seanspeed

Seanspeed
  • Member

  • 21,814 posts
  • Joined: October 08

Posted 12 February 2013 - 18:34

The same should apply for DiResta , Kobayashi & Senna , two of them are already out of F1. Glock and Kovalienen would have been out of F1 in 2010 if not for the new teams.
To be fair Karthikeyan was never far from Pdlr times inspite of not participating in practice 1 in most of the GPs.

Pedro whooped Karthikeyan pretty much all season long. In fact, if you look here, the biggest difference between any driver pairing in qualifying was between Pedro and Narain:

http://forums.autosp...w...0&start=240

Almost half a second on average.

Like others have said, Narain is a nice guy, and I dont wish to be offensive or insulting to him, but he's not an F1-quality driver. If Force India take him, I really hope his money is put to good use, cuz they are certainly going to be taking a big hit in their WCC chances this year, which is a shame for a team that has been a slow, but steady rise the past 5 years.

Edited by Seanspeed, 12 February 2013 - 18:36.


#136 understeer

understeer
  • Member

  • 256 posts
  • Joined: February 11

Posted 12 February 2013 - 18:45

Like others have said, Narain is a nice guy, and I dont wish to be offensive or insulting to him, but he's not an F1-quality driver. If Force India take him, I really hope his money is put to good use, cuz they are certainly going to be taking a big hit in their WCC chances this year, which is a shame for a team that has been a slow, but steady rise the past 5 years.

He cannot be worse than the other pay drivers who took 5 years to peak in gp2 series.

#137 Yhamm

Yhamm
  • Member

  • 1,799 posts
  • Joined: September 12

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:05

He cannot be worse than the other pay drivers who took 5 years to peak in gp2 series.

at least they peaked... afaik, Karthikeyan never was good anywhere and is 36years old...

#138 Seanspeed

Seanspeed
  • Member

  • 21,814 posts
  • Joined: October 08

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:08

He cannot be worse than the other pay drivers who took 5 years to peak in gp2 series.

Yes he can.

#139 Collective

Collective
  • Member

  • 1,522 posts
  • Joined: June 05

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:10

I'd much rather see Karun Chandhok :)

Meh. Last time I saw him in F1 he was on a Caterham. The other Caterham lapped him twice and both HRTs lapped him.

Advertisement

#140 understeer

understeer
  • Member

  • 256 posts
  • Joined: February 11

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:10

at least they peaked... afaik, Karthikeyan never was good anywhere and is 36years old...

They peaked among the weak

#141 Seanspeed

Seanspeed
  • Member

  • 21,814 posts
  • Joined: October 08

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:18

They peaked among the weak

GP2 may not be what it was a few years ago, but its still full of decent, experienced drivers still. I think even in GP2, Narain would be midpack at best, even in a good team. He's just not that good, man. Last year highlighted this yet again.

If Force India go for him, it will absolutely be because they're desperate for money. They will know full well what they are getting in Narain, performance-wise.

I hope it doesn't happen. That Force India could well be a very competitive seat and it'd be a shame for a bottom-level pay driver to get it.

Edited by Seanspeed, 12 February 2013 - 19:19.


#142 understeer

understeer
  • Member

  • 256 posts
  • Joined: February 11

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:27

It is a very well known thing that if FI pick him up it will be for the TATA sponsorship money. Some how you can even tell if he were to be in GP2 he will be midpack. The same way you think that he is absolute rubbish , I think that he is not as bad as you think.

Edited by understeer, 12 February 2013 - 19:28.


#143 Myrvold

Myrvold
  • Member

  • 15,887 posts
  • Joined: December 10

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:30

It might not be just for the TATA-money, but the financial problems are surrounding the owners of the team. Picking up an indian driver with indian backing might make it more possible to get even more sponsors from India.

#144 dau

dau
  • Member

  • 5,373 posts
  • Joined: March 09

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:32

He cannot be worse than the other pay drivers who took 5 years to peak in gp2 series.

Karthikeyan had three years of British F3, three years of Nissan World Series, three years of A1GP and never peaked anywhere. And after another three years in F1, he still couldn't trouble Pedro de la Rosa, losing qualifying 3:16 with an average gap of over half a second and only finishing once ahead of his team mate in the races. Well, probably twice without that penalty in Malaysia.

I don't think we need to see him in a good car to assess his skill. He may be a nice guy and everything and he did have decent performances, especially in the rain, but i have little doubt he's been the least talented driver we've had in the past two years. With so many good drivers being sidelined, there should be no place for him in F1.

#145 MrFondue

MrFondue
  • Member

  • 375 posts
  • Joined: February 11

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:39

but i have little doubt he's been the least talented driver we've had in the past two years.


Bruno wants a word with you.


#146 dau

dau
  • Member

  • 5,373 posts
  • Joined: March 09

Posted 12 February 2013 - 19:56

Bruno wants a word with you.

That's Bruno Senna, multiple winner in BF3 and GP2 and runner-up in the 2008 GP2 season?

#147 Seanspeed

Seanspeed
  • Member

  • 21,814 posts
  • Joined: October 08

Posted 12 February 2013 - 20:02

It is a very well known thing that if FI pick him up it will be for the TATA sponsorship money. Some how you can even tell if he were to be in GP2 he will be midpack. The same way you think that he is absolute rubbish , I think that he is not as bad as you think.

I dont know what he's ever done to give you that impression, but you have to ignore an awful lot of mediocre-to-poor results in the process.



#148 DutchQuicksilver

DutchQuicksilver
  • Member

  • 6,314 posts
  • Joined: June 11

Posted 12 February 2013 - 21:09

Adrian Sutil said he's still in the hunt for the Force India seat, so nothing decided. Though I seriously doubt that Karthikeyan is a genuine contender. Mallya always said he's not interested in Karthikeyan or Chandhok.

#149 Crossmax

Crossmax
  • Member

  • 1,334 posts
  • Joined: April 11

Posted 12 February 2013 - 21:12

Maybe Sutil and Karthikeyan can settle that final seat over a beer in a bar? Just saying...

#150 DutchQuicksilver

DutchQuicksilver
  • Member

  • 6,314 posts
  • Joined: June 11

Posted 12 February 2013 - 21:20

I'm sure Sutil would win that one.