Fast cars, the rush of adrenalin, the thrill of pushing your car to the limit, these are the dream of most young men. Siddhant Panda is one of the lucky few who manage to turn their dream into reality. He is one of the select few who are fortunate enough to make a career out of his passion. After blazing the tracks in the Asian circuit, he is making a move to the European circuit and is now all set to participate in the F4 French Championships. The young driver talks to Ajeyo Basu about his career and his future plans
What led to choose motor racing as a careerIJ
I was always interested in cars. Cars are my passion. I did not know too much about Formula One, but after passing out of high school, I decided to follow motor racing as my career. When I was in 12th standard, the whole year I was thinking of how to go into motor racing. The first time I drove a racing car was in 2011. That year, I didn’t take part in any competition, but next year I took part in and I finished third in my very first race. Unfortunately, I had an accident otherwise I would have finished first. Initially, I did not receive too much encouragement from my parents. But after I finished third in my debut race, I was able to convince my parents that this is the career I want. I proved to them that I was good at it because I had done so well in my very first championship. At that time, my parents started supporting me. I decided to move to the Asian circuit. Over there, in my first race I qualified third. After do well in the subsequent two races as well, I decided to move to the European circuit.
Given that you have chosen a sport which is not yet too popular in India, did you face opposition from your parentsIJ
My family had never even heard of motor sports. None of my relatives have a motor sports background. Obviously, my decision was a huge shock for them. For them, it was all about completing your education and getting a job after completing your education. So it was extremely difficult to convince them at first. But after I finished third in my debut race and I was actually told that I can go ahead and become a very good driver, then slowly they became convinced. I was struggling a lot in the beginning and was working very hard. Now they are happy with my choice of career.Now my parents are also working hard and are trying to find sponsors for me.
You are about to enter the highly competitive French championship. How did that come aboutIJ
After I started doing well in the Asian circuit, I attracted the attention of the European circuit. At that time, I got a letter from the French federation. They invited me to a trial, where they will evaluate me and decide whether I am eligible to take part in the European circuit. I went over there a couple of times for the trials and they were happy with my performance. They have cleared me and now I am all set to take part in my first championship in the European circuit.
You started your career quite late…..
In motor sports, European drivers generally start out at the age of four. But I started competing at 20. So it was really very late. Not just the technical aspects, confidence wise also it takes a lot to learn. Initially, even the kids who had just started out were faster than me because they already had years of experience. I had to be patient with that. But I started improving and I am just focusing on myself rather than looking around.
You are into an expensive sport. How do you take care of the financial aspectIJ
Initially I had a small budget, so I had to be selective about my races. My equipment was second hand. Funds are difficult right now. Until now, my father has been helping me. Some people have also helped me with money. But I am not getting too many sponsors right now. Till now it has been very tough. I am hoping that when I enter the French Formula Four, things will change for the better. But I will have to get a good result in my first race. It is mandatory for me. In terms of my career, my age and every other aspect.