Armaan Ebrahim

Driving around a single-seater, somewhat similar to a Formula One car, this super-famous race driver is sharp on the track, especially when overtaking opponents. Racing is his passion and runs in his blood since he’s the son of ex-Indian F3 champion Akbar Ebrahim.

“My dad is a racer, so I was always exposed to it and all my toys were cars of different shapes and sized. However, becoming a race driver wasn’t always the plan, but then I participated in a training program in Bengaluru and there was no looking back,” he reminisces.

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For last 2 years, the young champ was driving MotorSport Vision’s mean-machine #6 at Formula 2 in Europe. Though this year we’ll see him cross the Atlantic to pilot Fan Force United’s #24 JK Tyre Dallara at the Firestone Indy Lights Championship. “It’s one of the oldest races in the world and can be pegged as North America’s F1,” Armaan states proudly.

“It’s definitely a new path, but a good one for sure,” he adds. “Even Vettel entered F1 after racing there, so it’s an opportunity for me (Smiles).”

Like other Indian racers, driving in F1 is his ultimate dream. “Of course I want to be a part of F1, but for now I’m super-excited about Indy,” he says. “Also, when it comes to budgets, Europe is cut-throat. If you have the money you are welcomed, but if not then they won’t consider you. In the US, it’s slightly better and my team has a good budget.”

Touted as the most promising driver from India and the next big talent according to Narain Karthikeyan, Armaan’s performances in the A1 Grand Prix Championship and Formula Renault UK Championship won him instant recognition. He drove for the A1 Team India in 2006-07, but shifted to the GP2 Asia Series in 2008. It was his competitive driving there that earned him a place in F2. Once there, he was branded ‘Driver with the Best Race Form,’ but quiz him about it and he laughs, “Racing is my passion. I enjoy overtaking cars and I’m good at that.” On an average he overtook 8 cars per race, beating the second best driver for the record. “I don’t do that on the road. That’s only for the racetrack. I’m too scared of damaging my car and the traffic doesn’t allow stunts,” he quickly adds.

If not a race driver, he would’ve been a sportsperson. “Like any other Indian I played cricket. I’m also into squash and could’ve played either for the country.”

Not a big Bollywood fan, Armaan mostly catches movies on flights. “What else would you do on a 13-hour flight? And I’m bummed out if the collection isn’t good,” he says. His favourites include Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor and of course Rajnikanth. “If I don’t take Rajni sir’s name, I’ll be shot! I’m a die-hard fan and love his films.”

But it’s fitness that keeps him busy. “To drive a car that weighs between 550 and 650 kg, you have to be fit. Also, unlike F1 our cars don’t have power steering and the brakes alone weigh 120 pounds, so it requires a lot of manual work,” he says.

Before we wrap up, he names Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher as his idols and adds that he’s happy seeing people trying out sports other than cricket.

Armaan’s tips to make you a rally pro

On race weekend, always go for a short run of about 15 minutes in the morning. This will get the body warmed up and you will feel much fitter and relaxed as soon as you get into the car.

When on a long break or in the off season, make sure that you drive go-karts often because this helps one to keep in touch and when you get back in a car you don't feel rusty.

When it rains always keep the visor on the helmet slightly open otherwise it tends to fog up and then you can't see anything.

Tyre Pressure: Tyres play an important role in racing. If not checked properly every time, it can cost you the race. The pit guys check it thoroughly, but before the race you should double check just to be sure.

Break Balance: Apart from tyre pressure, break balance is another important thing one shouldn’t miss out. Ideally one should have more % towards the front, since the engine is at the back in these cars. Every time the pit crew bleeds the break, the pressure changes, so it is important to keep checking the break balance.

This is one trick that mostly all the race drivers perform –when the safety car is out, you follow it slowly causing a clog behind you. After the safety car completes its round and as is about to hit the pit lane, accelerate to the maximum extent. Here’s where you have played your game. A gap of approximately six cars will be created between you and the other drivers following you. This step pisses off the other car drivers to the core.

No matter how friendly you are to your teammate, you will always be compared to him. You compete with him first and than the other drivers. During races, every driver is allotted a time slot with the engineers to study and know more about their car, so when you know you can eat up your teammates time slot, go ahead and do it. This will not only shorten his discussion and prep, but will also allow you to maintain a healthy relationship with your crew. Warning: This trick works only once in a while and can be played on you too, so beware.

From the February 2012 issue of FHM India.