Narain, Karun will get better with more track time: F1 legend Lauda

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Sebastian Vettel has killed the reminder of the 2011 Formula One world championship as a contest by retaining his crown with four races still to go.

As the drivers’ battle is settled and Red Bull are on the verge of completing the formalities for the constructors’ title at this weekend’s Korean Grand Prix, the inaugural Indian GP to be held on October 30 is now reduced to only academic interest.

But F1 legend Niki Lauda believes no can take the sheen off the country’s maiden tryst with F1.

"The entire F1 fraternity is looking forward to coming to India. Since it’s a new track, no one knows what cars will have an advantage. And given Sebastian’s appetite for collecting new trophies and Jenson Button’s recent form, the Indian GP is going to be an exciting show.

"The venue (Buddh International Circuit) has an interesting layout with the longest straight in F1 and constant changes in elevation," the three-time world champion told Deccan Chronicle during the Singapore GP.

The 62-year-old Austrian said Indian fans should be proud at the prospect of watching the youngest double champion in action.

"Don’t forget the fact that the current F1 grid has five world champions (Vettel, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Button and Fernando Alonso). I am sure it’s worth the money," added Lauda.

The Indian government may not have given national importance status to the event but Lauda said the country would benefit greatly from F1 which has worldwide viewership figures only next to the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

"While a lot of countries are vying to get a slot on the 20-race calendar, it’s amusing to see the Indian government not cashing in on the opportunity. F1 is known for its economic and tourism benefits. Baharain and Abu Dhabi are the best examples," he added.

As a regular fixture at the F1 paddock as commentator for a German TV, Lauda has been tracking the careers of Indian duo Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.

"No doubt, both are talented drivers. But they will improve only by spending more time in the cockpit," said Lauda.

Lauda survived one of the worst crashes in F1 history during the German GP in 1976. In the high-speed accident at Nurburgring, his face was badly burned, a part of his right ear went missing and he broke numerous bones. The title of his autobiography — To Hell and Back — said it all.

"The sport is a lot safer now, thanks to the stringent rules set by the FIA," Lauda said, wearing his trademark red cap to cover the large scars to his face. A year after the spectacular crash, Lauda was crowned world champion for the second time.
In 1979, Lauda announced his retirement only to return in 1982 to claim his third and final title two years later.