Pit-test all right, but watch out for pitfalls

While experts like Narain agree the series is the perfect platform to graduate, the flip side is whether Aditya has achieved enough to move on. As his father, Kamlesh, a former rallying and racing champion questions, “Why not? Nobody wants to get cowed down. And it is all about the confidence that makes one further his dreams.” From winning the karting championship (Rotax Max) to the most recent Formula Rolon title, Aditya, who began his quest behind the wheel in 2000, obviously has his reason to move on.

“You ought to find out your worth,” adds Kamlesh, who has remained Aditya’s inspiration from the first time he allowed the youngster to sit on his lap and steer a car, to buying him a kart at 3, apart from his own racing exploits.

Excited on his forthcoming mission and well aware that the ‘pay drive’—approximately Rs 90 lakh—is a huge expenditure, Aditya says that “finding sponsors is tough and I also do know the responsibility towards them,” to suggest he’s no kid out on a fun trip.

With three test runs included in the championship deal, Aditya, in a bid to not make a monkey of himself has lined-up another five.

For the record, each test costs $3,500. “It is all about understanding the car and the bad part of it is the fact that it is hard to get test slots. There’s a long list of aspiring drivers, ones who aren’t doing the series this year also have themselves lined up,” adds Kamlesh, all egged to provide his son the basic necessities in a sport that talks money even if it is to be a bottle of water!

Aditya’s break compared to many currently on the national circuit may sound big, but if one brings Armaan into the picture the difference is huge. For starts, Armaan, is doing the GP 2 Asia series, something when measured is at least three years ahead of time, likewise Armaan all through his days at Sriperumbudur was someone who killed the opposition. This is something Aditya’s resume will always lack as the titles won have been with a fight.

Out and beyond is not something that describes Aditya. However, with an opportunity to prove himself that includes handling a car that’s 40cc more than he’s ever driven, proving one’s ability in an identical car scenario and not forgetting to adapt to alien tracks, will provide a new dimension. It would be something he would never learn in India going by the limited race circuits available. Explains Kamlesh, “the BMW series maintain uniformity…Aditya will come to know the meaning of presentability, time table among the many things which remain to be an education and mainly not practised in India.”

While “expectation” may sound a steep statement, consistent Top-6 finishes and perhaps a Top-3 finish among rookies could understandably be taken as an achievement. “Among the rookies, I have been the quickest during testing,” says Aditya, giving enough reason to keep him on radar.

Whether or not he will go on to achieve is something only time will tell, but for the present Aditya needs to change his kiddish thoughts. Sample this: he has the Bugs Bunny character as his lucky charm.

The reason: apart from having teeth that stand out as the character, he also won the Formula Rolon and the Karting Championship after he put a sticker of the same on his helmet. His expression may sound innocent, but surely making himself a bunny in the FBMWA series would be the last thing he wants to do.