Men Who Run The Grand Prix

Arjun Chopra sleeps, eats and drives cars. We are serious. He has a company that organises supercar shows and when he’s not busy working, he’s busy driving them. He’s been chosen as one of the Post Chiefs – Marshals – for the Indian Grand Prix and here he demystifies what those men in overalls do.

You’re going to be a Marshal at the Indian Grand Prix?

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Yes, I will be the Post Chief Marshal at the Grand Prix. I’ve previously been a Marshal at a World Touring Car Championship race, so I know what’s required to be a Marshal.

Do you race yourself?

I’m a huge racing fan, have been following Formula One since I was 8-years-old and been racing since I was 18 – Autocross, Desert Storm… You name it and I have participated in it. I also participate in rallies and won the Coimbatore Rally in 2009. Currently, I have a real estate business and an events management company, but my first love will always be cars.

How many F1 races have you attended till now?

I have maintained an average of one a year. So in total I’ve attended 11 F1 races till date including the Monaco Grand Prix -- travelled to four WTC races and seen two GP2 races. I’ve also been to the Rally of Finland and the Australian Rally.

What exactly will be your job when the race begins?

Well, the jobs completely depend on experience. According to experience, the jobs include: Post Chief, incident officer, experienced marshal (flag and incident), track marshal, spectator marshal, race administration, paddock marshal, pit marshal, startline marshal, telephonist, rescue unit crew, rally stage marshal, rally timekeeper, passage control marshal, sector marshal etc. etc. The list is almost endless. The Post Chief liaisons with Race Control. The incident officer is responsible for a clean track. If there’s any debris, it’s their job to clear it. Track marshals are the drivers’ eyes. At every corner, the driver keeps an eye out for the flag signals warning him about an accident or whether he needs to slow down or be careful. So a Post Chief’s job is to keep his post clean! He has to file immediate reports which a runner on a bike will ferry to race control, which can be used to crosscheck events in case there’s a hearing.

Did you have to undergo training?

There will be around 70 of us who will be Post Chiefs. We were briefed in June and underwent another training session in September at Greater Noida. You need to be focused on the track and know your rules. You can’t let your attention waiver.

It sounds like a serious job…

It is an awesome experience. Seeing an F1 race is one thing, but being a Post Chief and being in a situation like this in the middle of the action is an unbelievable opportunity. A lot of people think that this is just a fun way of watching a race, but it’s hard work. We have to move in to the complex before noon on October 24 and there will be extensive training and simulation throughout the week.

So will this be the highlight of your racing life?

This and another trip that I’m planning to indulge myself with, which is the ice driving experience in Finland. Oh, to drive five supercars on a frozen lake! I’ve had to barter a deal with my wife. One month in Dubai for her so that I can go to Finland. Can’t wait for it!

ADRIAN NEWEY – THE ENGINEER

He has magic in his hands and can probably design a winning Formula One car in his sleep. Adrian Newey may be the most gifted and brilliant engineer in F1, but the self-confessed petrol head, who recently took the Ginetta G50 sports car for a spin and a crash at the Snetterton Circuit, isn’t just sitting pretty on his laurels…

Did you dream of becoming an engineer for an F1 team?

I grew up fascinated by cars and loved to make model kits of racing machines, so I always knew that one day I would become a motor racing engineer.

What was your first stint in the motor sports world?

After receiving a First Class honours degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Southampton, I had my first stint in the motors ports world when I worked with the Fittipaldi Formula One team under Harvey Postlethwaite.

Does the pressure of working in this environment sometimes get to you?

It’s a constant stress, so now it’s simply the level I live on. I find my biggest enemy is time. The job is very time consuming – and can be all-consuming if you are not careful. There is always the pressure to do well. If you are doing badly then you want to do well. And then when you do, you are under pressure to maintain it. It’s the eternal circle or the infinity loop, so to speak.

What’s so special about your relationship with Red Bull Racing? In just 6 years, it has won the championship and is on its way to successfully defending its titles...

The motivation to compete and win is still as strong as ever simply because I really enjoy this team. We’ve got a great outfit and we have a good atmosphere here. We don’t pretend to be anything we’re not. We’re a Formula One team that goes about its business of trying to make the best possible car we can. The team of engineers, indeed everyone, in every department, is working extremely hard to achieve that. It has a great atmosphere and I find that very refreshing and very motivating personally.

Your favorite and worst race till date…

I have been lucky enough to have several highlights. That first race win and first World Championship are very special. The first race win with Toro Rosso and Sebastian Vettel at Monza in the wet was very special. And without a doubt one of the highlights was winning the Championships last year with Red Bull Racing because we were a young team, starting with the ashes of Jaguar in 2005 and with the aspiration – when I joined – to be involved in developing the team so that it could hopefully one day win a race or a Championship. It was extremely momentous to actually achieve that.

You’re quite a petrol head yourself aren’t you?

Well, I’m a sports car collector and driver and have participated in the Le Mans Legend races for a few years now. I competed in a Ford GT40 in 2006, only to destroy the car in an accident, while escaping with only a cut finger. I also managed to wreck a Jaguar E-Type at the Goodwood Revival Meeting (Laughs). I also drove the Ferrari F430 at the Le Mans 24 Hours and with co-drivers Ben Aucott and Joe Macari managed to finish 22nd.

And of course, you have your very own F1 cars…

Oh yes! It was a tremendous gesture from the team. The RB5 won six races for the team in 2009 and it’s a good car. The plan now is to club together with some other guys I know who are lucky enough to have cars and hire a circuit, preferably a modern one with a bit of a run off where I can enjoy driving the car without worrying about having a spin in front of a crowd!

FARHAN VOHRA – THE RACE STEWARD

Farhan Vohra is the only FIA Stewards Super License holder from India and was the FIA appointed Race Steward at the German Grand Prix that Lewis Hamilton won. For the Indian Grand Prix though, Vohra will be the Clark of the Course and not one of the Race Stewards. He agreed to give us a lowdown on what stewards do. And also, if these men always get it right…

What is the job of a Formula One steward?

It's a misunderstood term. It doesn't mean that I'm standing there holding a tray! Stewards have supreme authority. The bible we follow over the racing weekend is the international sporting code, while F1 has its own rules and regulations. Simply put, we are the judges of the event. There's a panel of four people, one of who is appointed by the local ASN and one of the stewards is a driving expert who provides the drivers' perspective. But it's not necessary that all stewards have driving experience.

So do you have any driving experience?

Yeah, I do. I started racing and rallying in 1994 but turned to officiating in 2005-06. I started officiating in local events and Vicky Chandhok – president of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India really encouraged me.

Did you have to sit for an exam to get your license?

No, but you have to read a lot. A LOT! Since the FIA nominates the stewards so one doesn't have to study as such for it.

So what's the race weekend like for a race steward?

Well, our weekend begins on a Thursday with scrutineering of the cars and drivers' gear. At the German Grand Prix, for example, five of the drivers' suits didn't comply with the regulations. Logos can only be embroidered and not embossed. And these drivers’ had been wearing the same suit for years. The FIA code is very clear and specific – We scrutiny the cars after every practice session and qualifying. After the race, fuel samples are taken, bodywork is checked and any instance where rules are not followed is brought to our notice, in case we haven't seen it already. If needed, we then apply the penalties. A decision has to be taken as soon as possible. We call in the parties concerned and discuss the issue at hand and are as fair as possible, but we also have to follow rules. The teams can obviously appeal our decisions.

Hmm… so a lot of work and very little play?

Yes. It's a pretty boring job, not very glamorous.

So, sometimes stewards are not the drivers' favourite people?

No one likes to be given a penalty. But at the end of the say, justice has to be meted out. I have attended many drivers' briefings and while most of the comments are very interesting, the drivers’ do agree that the stewards are right. We have access to some of the world's most technologically advanced gizmos and drivers can't get away with any fibs or excuses.

Each race has different stewards, is it?

Yes, there are different stewards for each Grand Prix. The advantage of this is the removal of any bias over the course of a season. No team or driver can suggest the officials are consistently prejudiced, because the stewards change on a regular basis.

Do you sometimes look at a race and wonder why a decision was made?

Yes, sometimes I'm not convinced but 99.9 percent of the time you can be sure that the right decision has been made. Sure there are times that a mistake might have been made because we are human, but still.

What will your role be for the Indian Grand Prix?

I will have no decision-making authority during the Indian Grand Prix. I will be the Clark of the Course. Charlie Whiting, the race director, has overriding powers. I'm responsible for the safety of the track and the drivers. I need to ensure that medical services are ready and that all the track marshals, fire and rescue and recovery marshals are at their spots. The crash barriers also need to be in place. I will be opening and closing the track everyday. Basically, I need to make sure that everything is in order.

BERNIE ECCLESTONE – THE F1 BOSS

Bernie Ecclestone is one of the richest men in the world and has attended almost every Grand Prix since taking control of F1 in 1977. The 80-year-old is a proud workaholic, who lives in a penthouse above his office in London. He's the man who can make the impossible happen and mints millions while doing it…

You've wanted an Indian Grand Prix for a long time haven't you?

Oh yes! India is an exciting market and we should've been here years ago, but we needed the right place really. We came close a couple of times earlier, but it fell through at the last minute. The people we are dealing with now (JPSI) seem to be sound and solid. It's all coming along nicely. I have no doubts in my mind that the circuit is going to be one of the nicest we have.

Will India be able to do a Singapore or Abu Dhabi?

India might just pull an elephant out of its hat! I don't know yet... No one can repeat what Singapore and Abu Dhabi have managed. I wouldn't want anybody to copy that actually. I like to see each circuit and race with its own unique characteristics. The Indian Grand Prix is going to be grand.

How much would you love to see an Indian driver on the grid on Oct 30?

Having an Indian team is obviously a big help. An Indian driver will be an even better deal. I definitely want to see Karun in a better car next year. He served his apprenticeship in a car that he could do nothing about. He really needs to be in a team where he can show his potential because I think he can be very, very good if he gets the right car. And Narain is driving too. F1 is obviously new to this country. We’ll probably never catch up to cricket, but in 2-3 years time we hope to get very close to that game.

How many countries would you like to take F1 to?

We really should be at 16, to be honest. Twenty is plenty, that's the limit. No more. I've been able to squeeze in 20, but I wouldn't want to increase it. There'll be mayhem otherwise. I really do want to go to Mexico and South Africa. We really should. America is also a country that should have an F1 race. We have a race in India and soon we'll have one in the US. It's great!

How long have you been associated with F1?

Well, I started as a competitor and then was a manager of drivers like Stuart Lewis-Evans and Jochen Rindt. I bought the Brabham team in 1972, which I ran for fifteen years. I entered the administrative side when I packaged and sold television rights in the late 70s and have just added on things from there on. I have been around a long time!

What are some of the stuff that you've changed around?

When I proposed starting the race with the lights rather than the flags, people said I was totally mad. Silly things, but lot’s of ‘em, like an exploratory lap before the race so they can have a look and see if the circuits’ still all right. Silly little things that have been adopted and have stayed put forever, which I’m happy about. So I’ve sort of improved things as we’ve gone on the run.

When was the first time you raced?

Oh, that was immediately after the end of World War II. My first racing experience came in 1949 in the 500cc Formula 3 Series and I acquired a Cooper Mk V in 1951. I wasn't able to compete for a long time and drove mainly on my local circuit – Brands Hatch. I used to love racing motorcycles. A good knock in 1957 when I was kind of driving in F1 took care of my racing aspirations though and yeah business and risks persuaded me to retire from the cockpit.

What are your other interests apart from F1?

I love being busy. I'm a terrible guy to be on holiday with. A holiday for me is two days, that's it. I can survive two days, if it gets any longer than that’s not so easy. I like all the Bond films, the Godfather trilogy and even Pretty Woman – those sorts of films. I don't like films that have messages in them though, because I don't want to be lectured when I go to the cinema.

MARK WEBBER – THE DRIVER

1. You actually have more points at this stage of the season than you did last year when you were so close to winning the championship, but this year your teammate Vettel is 92 points ahead. Personally, how challenging and infuriating has that been?

MW: I think Sebastian is on a roll at the moment and there’s a great chance for him to close out the championship in the next few races. But you have to try and stop the momentum, which is up to all of us, not just myself, to try and have some different winners. In the last few races it has been close, so I’ll see what I can do from hereon. He has set the bar very high, but it will be a good challenge.

2. You've signed on for another year. Has your stint with Red Bull Racing been all that you'd imagined it to be?

MW: 2011 is my tenth season of F1. More recently, I have been renewing my contract on an annual basis. I want to continue to have the drive and ambition to perform at the front of the field and not just be there making up the numbers. I enjoy driving at the moment and I’m looking forward to continue driving for the team next year as well.

3.You're scheduled to come to India in October. So, that’s another new circuit. With all the traveling and preparations that are part of the season already, new circuits just add to the pressure don't they?

MW: No, not at all. As soon as the FIA publishes the F1 calendar for the next year, we plan accordingly and get everything locked in early on. The string of races in Asia this year works out well for me as it means I can base myself in Australia and fly down for each race.

4. The change in tyre suppliers, tweaks in rules and regulations etc. were all designed to make racing exciting. Do you think that's been accomplished?

MW: The rule changes have been very positive for the sport. The tyres have played the biggest role in increasing the entertainment value.

5. You are a complete outdoors person – Cycling, mountain climbing, tennis. And then there's driving, which involves sitting crouched in a car for long periods. Quite a contrast there. So, what's so special about racing that you made that your life instead of the other sports?

MW: I tried a lot of different sports when I was young, as all kids do growing up in Australia. I was okay at most of them, but when I got the chance to drive a friend’s go-kart, I found something that I really enjoyed doing and wasn't too bad at. The sports I love doing nowadays such as cycling, mountain biking, kayaking and trekking are only pursuits I've discovered since I became a professional racing driver.

6. You're a rugby fan. Who are you backing to win the World Cup?

MW: Australia of course! But given everything that New Zealand has been through this year with the earthquake and the fact that they're hosting the World Cup, it would be fitting for them to do well.

7. How do you relax off the track?

MW: I really enjoy relaxing at home in England, going for walks with my dogs, going cycling, and doing normal day-to-day stuff.

8. How tense does the atmosphere tend to become in a team when you have two drivers gunning for victory?

MW: Of course, both Seb and I want to win – we are racers and our aim is to win races. The team ensures both Sebastian and I get the same equipment to use and we both have equal chance.

9. Are you superstitious? Do you say a little prayer every time you get into the cockpit?

MW: No, I’m not really superstitious. I just believe in hard work and that you create your own luck to some extent. I think sometimes hurdles are put in our way to make us stronger.

10. What's the one thing no one can get you to try/eat or do?

MW: I'm a little bit claustrophobic, so anything involving extremely confined spaces would be pretty hard to talk me into.

From the October 2011 issue of FHM India.