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You have to take your chances on the track: Chandhok
The recent deaths of Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli may have reignited the debate about improving safety measures in motorsport but Indian racer Karun Chandhok believes that focusing too much on them would take away the excitement from Formula One.
Two tragedies struck the motorsport world in the last few days as British racer Wheldon died during an Indy Car Rally in the US and on Monday Italy's Simoncelli crashed to death in the Moto GP race in Sepang, Malaysia.
But Chandhok feels that one has to "take his chances" to triumph on the track.
"The moment the drivers start looking at safety measures and all, they lose crucial seconds. So, you have to take your chances on the track. No one asked us to join Formula One or placed a gun on our head that you have to race. It's a career we chose," said Chandhok.
"I believe that element of fate is involved in the race. Enough element of danger is also involved in F1. But it's an exciting career and the essence of excitement would get lost thinking of too much safety measures," added Chandhok.
'More people die in road accidents in Delhi than on an F1 track'
Despite many rule changes since the first race in Silverstone (England) in 1950, Formula One continues to be the most dangerous sport in the world.
Recently, Mark Webber and Jenson Button voiced their concerns for improved safety measures following Mexican Sergio Perez's high-speed accident in Monaco GP in a Sauber car in May this year. The incident happened at the same place where Germany's Nico Rosberg lost control and crashed in his Mercedes car during a morning practice session.
Chandhok said the world body, FIA, and Formula One have done enough to make the sport safer.
"Keeping in mind the safety of drivers, FIA has taken into account enough safety parameters. You can see improvement in safety at the various circuits. The risk will always be there. You see, more people die in road accidents in Delhi than on an F1 track," said Team Lotus' reserve driver Chandhok.
'It'll be a three-way fight between Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren'
Chandhok said 'Delhi belly' is a concern for Formula One teams as they head to India this week. 'Delhi belly' is a term for a sort of sickness often picked up by travellers to India as they sample local food.
"They are worried about Delhi Belly. I told them not to worry about the food situation here. Just enjoy our hospitality," he said.
On who will emerge victorious in the inaugural Indian GP, Chandhok said it's a three-way fight among Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren.
"I expect another Red Bull showing but McLaren is equally strong. Mercedes is also a tough competitor. So it's a three-way fight."
The inaugural edition of the Indian GP is less than a week away and Chandhok is still waiting to know whether he would drive one of the Lotus cars on the Buddh International Circuit.
'It's a wait-and-watch policy for me'
"It's a wait-and-watch policy for me. I still don't know the answer. You better ask Tony (Fernandes), the team principal of Lotus," said the 27-year-old.
He added that it would be an exciting moment for Indian fans when he and Narain Karthikeyan compete in Friday's practice session.
Chandhok also hoped that F1 would be able to carve a niche in India.
"The excitement it has caused among people is great. Everyone is talking about F1 and the Indians are really excited about the race."