Indian Racing League drivers Saishiva Sankaran and Viswas Vijayaraj outlined the uphill battle domestic competitors face while pursuing elite motorsport careers. Achieving progress requires heavy commitments to simulator preparation, rigorous physical training, and frequent educational absences. A critical obstacle remains the vast disparity in seat time, as domestic talents typically log only a couple of days on track per month while foreign peers practice multiple days weekly.
Key points
Severe disparities in track time place Indian racers at a developmental disadvantage comp…: Severe disparities in track time place Indian racers at a developmental disadvantage compared to foreign competitors.
Junior racers face tight age limits that intensify the pressure to overcome high financia…: Junior racers face tight age limits that intensify the pressure to overcome high financial barriers quickly.
Drivers depend on rigorous simulator sessions, strict diets, and competing against intern…: Drivers depend on rigorous simulator sessions, strict diets, and competing against international talent to prepare for higher racing tiers.
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In a country where cricket dominates the sporting landscape, motorsport continues to fight for attention. For young Indian racers, reaching Formula 1 remains the ultimate ambition, but the path to the top comes with financial constraints, limited opportunities and sacrifices away from the track.
For Saishiva Sankaran and Viswas Vijayaraj, that path began with a childhood love for cars and racing. Speaking to Times of India during the Indian Racing Festival's return to the Buddh International Circuit after 13 years, the two drivers spoke about their careers, the demands of competing against international racers and what it takes to pursue a career in motorsport in India.
From karting in Pune to the Indian Racing League
Saishiva Sankaran began racing when he was eight years old. His interest in cars introduced him to karting at a small facility in Kharadi, Pune, where he started competing in four-stroke karting events. He won his first event before moving to two-stroke karting, gaining experience through several championships while working with teams such as M-Sport and Kamehko Kartopia in Bengaluru.
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