Meeting the lion of the paddock

Unsettling persona, overwhelming aura. Just watching Bernie Eccelstone — the man who holds the rights for the Formula One — gives ...

Unsettling persona, overwhelming aura. Just watching Bernie Eccelstone — the man who holds the rights for the Formula One — gives one an idea why he is called the ‘The Big Man’.

Clad in a sparkling white shirt and fawn coloured trouser, Bernie at the paddock is like a lion in his den. Mobbed by team members and a maze of photographers — in their typical backward running mode — clicking furiously, it seems impossible to break past the Bernie entourage. And for a reporter making his F1 debut, meeting ‘The Big Man’ seems almost impossible.

Finally, mustering courage one steps up to Bernie and the ice melts. All preconceived notions fade away as the man drops guard. The ‘driving force’ behind the megabucks F1 affairs talks to the The Indian Express on the sidelines of the Sepang track.

Excerpts:

What are the chances of India hosting a GP?

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A good chance, soon maybe. The last time an attempt was made we came narrowly close but missed out. I am sure it will come when the time is right. Soon probably.

How do you rate Narain Karthikeyan?

(Smiles) You tell me. Well, good I guess, since he is here. And it’s nice to have him. On his performance so far.

Eleventh today, that speaks for itself. Is it not satisfying?

I feel so and lets keep looking out for him more.

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Do you think Narain’s performance would influence the Indian market?

Why not? It should. I don’t see any reason for it not to.

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