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Photo Credits: Anand Philar
Former FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok made a comeback to competitive rallying after 18 years in the season opener of the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC 2018), the 40th South India Rally.
There is no surprise that Karun Chandhok, his son represented the country in Formula one a few years ago, motorsport certainly runs in the blood for this family.
Vicky Chandhok drove a polo R2 co-driven by Chandramouli and managed to finish on the podium in INRC1 class and overall 8th.
Vicky set the fastest time in the very first stage of the rally which was a tarmac stage and faced stiff competition on the gravel stages from the seasoned drivers in the INRC.
Shahid Salman in an exclusive interview with Vicky Chandhok post the prize distribution ceremony of the rally.
Shahid Salman: Many congratulations on your podium Vicky, how was the feeling inside the cockpit of a rally after 18 long years?
Vicky Chandhok: (sic)“ I think it’s a lot more hard work because it’s a lot of learning to drive these cars really hard but other than that it was good fun, I’m feeling really good, did what I wanted to do, just wanted to make sure I run till the end"
Shahid Salman: Do we get to see you at the rallies in the future, are you planning to drive in the entire season?
Vicky Chandhok: "No firms plan yet, I have a lot of other things to do but you never know."
Shahid Salman: What was Karun’s reaction when he got to know about your South India Rally Plans?
Vicky Chandhok: "He wasn’t too sure if I was kidding or actually, it was happening, he wanted to be here himself, he was very excited that I was making a comeback and encouraged me all the way which was fantastic. He organized my helmets, the intercom kit and everything else. I think it’s good to have the family support."
Shahid Salman: You just finished on the podium and Karun is commentating for the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, does he know the good news?
Vicky Chandhok: "Yes, he does, unfortunately, he couldn’t make it here and I’m trying to make it home to hear Karun at the start of the race."
