"I'm open to any opportunity that comes my way" - Aditya Patel

Aditya Patel is a racer from Chennai and hails from a family of racers. He is the latest young Indian prodigy in the motorsports world. After creating history by winning the Nuerburgring recently, he will now make his debut on the Euro circuit.

Q. You recently became the first ever Indian to compete and win a 24hrs race of Nuerburgring in the SP4T Category. You must be really elated right now?

A. Of course, it’s a good feeling to be a part of the legendary 24 hours of Nurburgring and to end the race by winning the class was more than we could ask for! To be frank, the feeling still hasn’t sunk in.

Q. How difficult was it for you to race in this event?

A. Mentally, it was a bit challenging. It was the first time I was ever sitting in a race car for more than forty minutes. On this occasion, it was for 2 hours and 40 minutes each time for 3 stints. But apart from that, the plan was to stay consistent and keep all four wheels on the track at all times.

Q.What made you enter the motorsports?

A. This is probably the toughest question I’ve ever answered. Due to my love for driving, I guess.

Q.You recently signed a 3 year deal with Audi. Do you see this as an adequate opportunity to help you with your international motorsporting career?

A. It has always been a dream for me to sign up for a manufacturer like Audi and now it’s like a dream come true. Surely, this will help boost my career and there are no two ways about that.

Q.You have raced in the Sirocco R Cup in Germany and you were also a race winner at Oschersleben with podium finishes at Hockenheim and Nurburgring in 2011. How was your experience of competing in the international stage?

A. It’s never easy to be racing against some of the best young touring car drivers in the world, and all in equal machinery. To be among the front runners in a series like the Scirocco R Cup definitely helps when you move on to the next step.

Q.Do you think Indians have a very difficult road to take if they choose to take Motorsports as their career option?

A. Costs have to be the biggest influence. It’s a fact that motorsport is expensive. However, there are so many competitive championships in India and all at reasonable costs making it pretty affordable at the same time.

Q.What steps can be taken to make Motorsports more popular in India?

A. I wouldn’t say it isn’t popular right now. There are many people who want to race but I’d say that accessibility is a problem. It’s not like cricket where you can play in the neighborhood field, and trust me, the road isn’t the place to practice.

Q.Do you dream of racing in the F1 someday?

A. Let’s put it this way, I’m open to any opportunity that comes my way. My job is to give it a 100% all the time. And yes, It’s one of many dreams.

Q.What’s your take on the Indian Grand Prix which will be organized every year in the Buddha Circuit?

A. Formula One is here!!!