Sahara fuels Tarun Reddy’s dream

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Tarun Reddy’s motorsport career has stepped up a gear. The 14-year-old Chennai boy, along with two others (Arjun Maini of Bengaluru and Jehan Daruvala of Mumbai) began their European karting career recently under the vigiliance of the Sahara Force India Academy, which handpicked the three budding youngsters.

All the three are currently competing in the British Super One Championship, Britain’s premier kart championship incorporating the KF3 Class MSA British Championships for juniors.

KF3 is an international CIK class using a medium power 125cc water-cooled engine with an electric self-starter and centrifugal clutch.

With a standard chassis, single rear brake and bodywork, the karts are capable of producing speeds of up to 115km/h.

It’s the ideal proving ground for aspiring racers and has helped produce numerous Formula One stars, including current Sahara Force India racer, Paul Di Resta.

Arjun, Tarun and Jehan's 2012 KF3 Academy programme will be managed on behalf of Sahara Force India by Ricky Flynn with karts painted in the familiar colours of the Indian flag.

They will have legendary kart champion, Terry Fullerton, as their mentor and driver coach, while Louis Di Resta, father of Paul, will help coordinate the project. Together they bring vast knowledge and experience of karting at the highest level.

As the winners of the One From A Billion hunt, Arjun, Tarun and Jehan all carry high expectations on their shoulders.

The Academy initiative was designed to identify and nurture young Indian talent to prepare them for careers as future Formula One drivers.

Having impressed the judges with their driving ability, fitness levels and media skills, the three teenagers now have the chance to race in one of the most competitive karting championships in Europe.

Vijay Mallya, the team principal of Sahara Force India, says all the three youngsters have a great opportunity ahead of them.

“With a comprehensive development programme mapped out, we will continue to nurture their talent as they take the first steps on a journey that will hopefully lead to Formula One. I will watch their progress with great anticipation,” added Mallya.

Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg, who was one of the judges during the team’s talent hunt last year, saw the kids through every stage of the competition.

“All three have impressed me with their speed and commitment, so I think they have the potential to go a long way.

I started out in karting when I was seven years old and I believe it is the best preparation for a career in single-seaters.

The UK is well known for having some of the best karting championships around so it’s an ideal proving ground for the boys,” the German F1 driver added.