Sarath Kumar learning from tough outings
Publication: DNA India
Date: April 19, 2011
Abstract: The first two races of the season have been rather difficult for India's first MotoGP rider.
Article:
Racing at the hallowed circuits of Europe is a dream for any young motorcycle rider. Many kids dream of someday becoming a Valentino Rossi, Mick Doohan, Jorge Lorenzo or Max Biaggi. It's easier said than done, particularly for Indians. European riders are pretty comfortable with top levels of motorcycle racing, thanks to the facilities at their disposal.
In Asia, only the Japanese have produced numerous top-of-the-line riders in MotoGP, the highest form of motorcycle racing in the world. The Malaysians and Indonesians have some culture of motorbike racing with modern machines. But for Indians, it is a whole new game. This, despite our country having a massive motorcycle market.
That is why, when Chennai lad Sarath Kumar got the opportunity to race in the 125cc category in MotoGP, life has taken a new turn. The 18-year-old races for WTR-Ten10 Racing, which is a joint venture between Bangalorean Ramji Govindarajan's Ten10 Racing and Italian team WTR.
The season began in Losail (Qatar) and moved to Jerez (Spain). Qualifying for the main race is proving to be a problem for young Sarath, the national champion. It shows that the standard of racing there is really high.
"The experience from the two races has been overwhelming in many ways. The competition during a race weekend is very intense as compared to what I saw during my first test at Jerez, the pressure is high," he told DNA from Spain. "As a racer, it does hurt when one does not start races. I am confident as I am learning fast and adapting to the bike and conditions."
A rider may or may not be capable of competing with the best in the world just after his debut. But the overwhelming skill and talent of the other riders and the atmosphere at a race itself can be quite intimidating for a first-timer. "No doubt the competition levels are really high and at no form of Indian racing are we exposed to that level of competition or technology. My first goal is to qualify and start the race. To do that I am competing with the pole setter and not the rider who qualifies ahead of me," said the lad.
Knowing your machine is probably half the battle won. How you deal with the enormous power, different handling and balance as compared to Indian bikes is crucial. Since Sarath has ridden some 600cc SuperSport bikes in the past, it is not a major problem. "To be frank, I got adapted to bike's power delivery and handling during the first test. I need to learn finer adjustments that will help me enter a corner, carry a lot of corner speed and exit faster. The 125cc bike is very unforgiving, it's the most difficult class to ride (technically) and every fine adjustment the right way shaves a few seconds," he felt.
To get used to the whole thing, Sarath rode in the CEV Buckler Spanish Championship on Sunday. He is banking on that experience and trying to qualify during the next MotoGP race in Estoril. Sarath and his Italian team-mate Francesco Mauriello missed the first two pre-season testing sessions and that surely was a disadvantage. That is the reason the team gave them the opportunity to participate in the Spanish Championship.
The whole MotoGP atmosphere is electrifying and intense as Sarath puts it. On track competition is very stiff, but there is a good side to things too. "The riders are very friendly and come forward to speak to a rookie, offer tips and words of encouragement during the weekend. It is exciting to share the paddock with some of the greatest riders in the world," he remarked.
"It's a great experience to share and learn from them not only about racing but also about their cultures," the youngster signed off.
