Karthikeyan Narain (India, 14/01/1977)

Narain Karthikeyan (born on 14 January 1977 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India) is an Indian racing driver, best known as the first Indian driver to debut in Formula 1. His career developed across European junior categories, the World Championship and various international single-seater and prototype series.

After starting in karting in India, Narain moved to Europe in the late 1990s. In 1997 he competed in Formula Asia, winning the championship at his first attempt. In 1998 he raced in British Formula 3 with Carlin, achieving results that allowed him to continue his progression through the junior ranks. Between 1999 and 2000 he took part in the Formula 3000 Championship, then the main feeder series to Formula 1, gaining experience on world-class circuits.

In 2001 he competed in the Formula Nippon Championship (now Super Formula) in Japan and also contested selected Formula 3000 races, confirming his reputation as a solid and reliable driver. Results and backing from Indian sponsors paved the way to the major step into Formula 1.

His Formula 1 debut came in 2005 with Jordan Grand Prix. In a difficult season for the team, Narain competed in all Grands Prix, with a best finish of eleventh at the Japanese Grand Prix. The following year he remained in the paddock as Williams reserve driver, a role he held in 2006 without racing.

After his first F1 stint, Narain continued competing internationally. In 2007 and 2008 he raced in A1 Grand Prix with Team India, contributing to the development of the national project. In 2011 he returned to Formula 1 with HRT, contesting several races as a race driver and becoming the first Indian to compete in the home Grand Prix at Buddh. He continued with HRT in 2012, marking his final Formula 1 appearances.

Alongside this, Narain remained active in endurance and touring car racing. He competed in Japanese Super GT, Super Formula and the World Endurance Championship, as well as in Superleague Formula and Asian GT championships. Throughout his career he also worked as a test driver and ambassador for motorsport development in India.

Among notable aspects, Narain played a role in promoting Formula 1’s arrival in India and contributed to the growth of local racing through collaboration with federations and youth initiatives. He was supported throughout his career by strong institutional and media backing in his home country.

After retiring from top-level competition, Narain remained involved in motorsport as a sporting executive and representative of the Indian federation. The last verifiable role places him in institutional positions related to the development of motorsport in India, without a confirmed active role in the Formula 1 paddock.

GP Results

GP/Points Graph

Year	Team	Chassis	Points
2005	Jordan	EJ15	5

* World Championships with at least 1 point won (since 2001)

Year	Team	Teammate	Win
2012	HRT F1 Team (F1112)	De La Rosa P.	3 VS 17
2011	Hispania Racing F1 Team (F111)	Liuzzi V.	1 VS 7
2005	Jordan Grand Prix (EJ15)	Monteiro T.	1 VS 18
Total			5 VS 42

Grand Prix	Team	Chassis	Pos.
United States GP 2005	Jordan Grand Prix	EJ15	4

* Grand prix finishes in the top 10 (since 2001)

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