Hakkinen, on a brief visit to Chennai on his way to Singapore for the F1 Grand Prix, inaugurated the new facility at a gala ceremony attended by India's two former F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.
Hakkinen cut the ribbon to open the 1.2km permanent karting track at the launch ceremony which included the traditional lighting of the lamp and the presentation of a commemorative tablet to be displayed at the MIKA circuit.
After an emotionally charged performance, Hakkinen, F1 champion in 1998 and 1999, and popularly known as the “Flying Finn,” posed for a group photo with young karting drivers, providing an insight into the minds and formation of a World Champion. “I like MIKA because it's my name too!” he declared, but added in a serious tone: “You must learn to lose and enjoy victory, and to control your emotions. As you move up the career ladder, the outside world is completely different. There is a lot of pressure from family, friends and teams. Therefore, you must be able to deal with the pressure. But it’s all up here,” he said, pointing to his temple.
At Chandhok's urging during a one-on-one interview, Hakkinen spoke at length about his Formula One career, especially his inability to win a single race for six years after his debut before tasting success by winning two titles. consecutive world championships. . He also referred to his rivalry with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. “Running with Michael Schumacher was a great challenge. He was very aggressive. We had some great races. You learn a lot from watching Michael, although he can be a little mischievous at times,” Hakkinen said.
Later, Hakkinen, along with Karthikeyan and Chandhok, performed demonstration laps on the MIKA track in specially prepared electric karts. A group of 34 drivers, in their own karts, took out a procession watched by a large crowd of MMSC members, guests and media. Later, in an impromptu media interaction, Hakkien praised the MIKA track which he said , can generate a generation of talented pilots in India. “Karting is a good way to start your sporting career and this MIKA track offers a wonderful platform for children to get started. I hope you enjoy your time in karting,” he said.
Hakkinen highlighted Kush Maini as possibly the next Indian to reach Formula One. “Kush Maini is good. He is doing well in F2. I feel that he has the strength to reach F1,” he said.
Karthikeyan, India's first F1 driver, also praised the MIKA circuit, describing it as a challenge but a delight for the driver. “Children first have to learn the track, which is fun to drive but also challenging because of its design,” he said. MMSC president Ajit Thomas, also present during the interaction, said, “We have big plans to carry out.” important international events on the MIKA circuit. That is one of the reasons why we undertook the project, in addition to contributing our bit to promoting sport at the grassroots level.”
Conceived and developed by the MMSC, the 1.2 km long MIKA circuit, designed by UK-based Driven International in active consultation with Chandhok, is the first of its kind in India and is located in the facilities of the iconic Madras International Circuit, in Sriperumbudur, about 40 kilometers from Chennai.
By the way, the foundation stone of the Madras International Circuit was laid by three-time F1 world champion, Jackie Stewart, also known as the “Flying Scotsman”. Built to exacting world standards, with reflectors, a sophisticated control room and a waiting area with charging facilities for electric karts, MIKA will be open to the public for leisure activities and competitions. The facility is still a work in progress as there are major plans to make it attractive for family outings and corporate activities.
Hakkinen said in a statement: “This is my first visit to Chennai and it has been a pleasure for me to open the MIKA circuit today along with India's only two F1 drivers, Narain and Karun.
“Karting is a very important first step for any driver today as they begin their journey towards Formula 1. The investment made by the Madras Motor Sports Club in these facilities will be a great step towards the preparation of future racing drivers. of India. “The circuit design is really interesting for the drivers with a good combination of corners. “It will be challenging and fun for drivers and, combined with the latest CIK (Karting’s global governing body) safety standards, it really is comparable to the best Karting tracks in the world.”
Hakkinen cut the ribbon to open the 1.2km permanent karting track at the launch ceremony which included the traditional lighting of the lamp and the presentation of a commemorative tablet to be displayed at the MIKA circuit.
After an emotionally charged performance, Hakkinen, F1 champion in 1998 and 1999, and popularly known as the “Flying Finn,” posed for a group photo with young karting drivers, providing an insight into the minds and formation of a World Champion. “I like MIKA because it's my name too!” he declared, but added in a serious tone: “You must learn to lose and enjoy victory, and to control your emotions. As you move up the career ladder, the outside world is completely different. There is a lot of pressure from family, friends and teams. Therefore, you must be able to deal with the pressure. But it’s all up here,” he said, pointing to his temple.
At Chandhok's urging during a one-on-one interview, Hakkinen spoke at length about his Formula One career, especially his inability to win a single race for six years after his debut before tasting success by winning two titles. consecutive world championships. . He also referred to his rivalry with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. “Running with Michael Schumacher was a great challenge. He was very aggressive. We had some great races. You learn a lot from watching Michael, although he can be a little mischievous at times,” Hakkinen said.
Later, Hakkinen, along with Karthikeyan and Chandhok, performed demonstration laps on the MIKA track in specially prepared electric karts. A group of 34 drivers, in their own karts, took out a procession watched by a large crowd of MMSC members, guests and media. Later, in an impromptu media interaction, Hakkien praised the MIKA track which he said , can generate a generation of talented pilots in India. “Karting is a good way to start your sporting career and this MIKA track offers a wonderful platform for children to get started. I hope you enjoy your time in karting,” he said.
Hakkinen highlighted Kush Maini as possibly the next Indian to reach Formula One. “Kush Maini is good. He is doing well in F2. I feel that he has the strength to reach F1,” he said.
Karthikeyan, India's first F1 driver, also praised the MIKA circuit, describing it as a challenge but a delight for the driver. “Children first have to learn the track, which is fun to drive but also challenging because of its design,” he said. MMSC president Ajit Thomas, also present during the interaction, said, “We have big plans to carry out.” important international events on the MIKA circuit. That is one of the reasons why we undertook the project, in addition to contributing our bit to promoting sport at the grassroots level.”
Conceived and developed by the MMSC, the 1.2 km long MIKA circuit, designed by UK-based Driven International in active consultation with Chandhok, is the first of its kind in India and is located in the facilities of the iconic Madras International Circuit, in Sriperumbudur, about 40 kilometers from Chennai.
By the way, the foundation stone of the Madras International Circuit was laid by three-time F1 world champion, Jackie Stewart, also known as the “Flying Scotsman”. Built to exacting world standards, with reflectors, a sophisticated control room and a waiting area with charging facilities for electric karts, MIKA will be open to the public for leisure activities and competitions. The facility is still a work in progress as there are major plans to make it attractive for family outings and corporate activities.
Hakkinen said in a statement: “This is my first visit to Chennai and it has been a pleasure for me to open the MIKA circuit today along with India's only two F1 drivers, Narain and Karun.
“Karting is a very important first step for any driver today as they begin their journey towards Formula 1. The investment made by the Madras Motor Sports Club in these facilities will be a great step towards the preparation of future racing drivers. of India. “The circuit design is really interesting for the drivers with a good combination of corners. “It will be challenging and fun for drivers and, combined with the latest CIK (Karting’s global governing body) safety standards, it really is comparable to the best Karting tracks in the world.”
