Narain improves timing but still 17th

On a hot day at Bahrain Narain Karthikeyan changed gears twice. In the morning practise session he logged the eighth fastest time. But later...

On a hot day at Bahrain Narain Karthikeyan changed gears twice. In the morning practise session he logged the eighth fastest time. But later in the afternoon session Jordan’s Indian driver improved his timing to finish 17th.

This change in position has a lot to do with the heat factor which is supposed to play a vital role on the Race Day tomorrow. As the Sakhir track asphalt blazed in the afternoon first qualifying Narain found the going tough. ‘‘No complaints as such but the car had a distinct change in balance between morning practice and afternoon qualifying,’’ he told The Indian Express,

In fact, Narain’s best came in a session that saw nine drivers dip below the 1.30s barrier. But when it came to qualifying only Fernando Alonso (1:28.848s) and Jarno Trulli (1:28.993s) could manage it again.

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Overall Narain was satisfied with his performance. ‘‘The gap in timings are closing everytime I take to the track. Today it was much better than Sepang,’’ he said.

This improved show is all the more creditable considering that the fact the Jordan car is entering the fray with new parts. And Narain hopes that things will further improve as Jordan are planning more changes. ‘‘Another set of new parts would surely make a huge difference in races to come,’’ he said. About the dusty and sandy nature of the track, Narain said it wasn’t a problem. ‘‘Since the racing lines are already on the track things are simpler,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Narain continued to hold the distinction of being Best Rookie, with his teammate Tiago Monteiro following him. ‘‘The reliability of the car has been sound, and hopefully finishing would be first priority,’’ he said.

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