Ajith: I had a perfect race this time

Indian Actor-Racer Ajith Kumar had an eventful Race 1 at Monza for the Round 5 of the F2 Championship on May 22. Qualifying at P20 out of 21 drivers, Ajith Kumar completed the race in 14th position with his personal best lap time of 1:46.500.

Says Ajith, "I feel proud and privileged to race amongst some of the best drivers in the championship, especially our own country's Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaran. I am thrilled to be racing on this excellent circuit in Monza, Italy and am happy that I have completed the race in 14th Position. I hope to do better in Round 6 which will happen tomorrow (May 23)."

In Race 2 on May 23, Ajith Kumar started at P20 and finished the race at 15th place with a personal best lap time of 1:46.211. Says Ajith, "I had a perfect race this time without getting involved in any incidents. I maintained my pace throughout the race and managed to not get lapped. At the end of this weekend, I can say that the overall exercise was very productive and I am confident of doing much better in the forthcoming rounds."

Courtesy : Motorsports India

Read More..

“First Car, First Choice” - Ajith’s Exclusive Interview

I believe all of us have two choices in life — to exist or to live. I chose the latter, says actor Ajith on his return to racing in this interview with Ashok Venugopal

A right hand to capatalise on their popularity by signing a dozen odd films or join some political party or at the best become a restaurateur, actor Ajith Kumar comes as a breath of fresh air. He neither believes in the rat race nor does he want to follow the ‘accepted’ path that most actors of his ilk do. He wants to pursue his first love that is motor sports. Having touched 40, Ajith has realised it is either now or never for him as a racer. So he has resisted signing some lucrative movie deals and has in fact postponed shooting for his 50th film just to pursue his passion for cars.

Seven years ago he was part of the Formula BMW Asia tour and although the actor managed two podium finishes his sabbatical from films hampered his movie career. But with hard-work and excellent choice of scripts and under dedicated directors he once again bounced back into the limelight to the delight of his fans who affectionately call him ‘thala’ (leader).

Today, with renewed vigour and determination Ajith wants to make a mark as a racer like he has as an actor. “I’ve come back with renewed vigour as I feel the time is ripe to encourage the youth of India to take to this sport. With three Indians in F2, I feel there is a lot of encouragement and camaraderie amongst (the drivers),” he says.

“Definitely I am better prepared this time. Just to be in F2, which is a step away from F1, gives a lot of self-confidence.” Listing the support he has received from within the racing world, Ajith thanks them for their encouragement: Jonathan Palmer (a former Formula One driver whose company co-ordinates and operates the new FIA F2 Championship), Piers Hunisett (a former successful racecar driver who handles Ajith’s racing programme/career), James Gornal (the official F2 driver co-ordinator, who provides all the competitors with necessary information), Simon Melluish and Sam Tremayne (the duo that, on behalf of F2, handle all the media releases/ Driver Photo shoots etc.) The actor insists that he is serious about racing and from the way Indians are revelling in motor sports he does not like the word ‘hobby’ attached to it anymore.

Ajith, from being a lover boy has matured as an actor and has done with equitable ease comedies and action films. He shared an excellent chemistry with the Simrans and Jyothikas and has held his own against Nayanthara and Sameera Reddys who are years younger to him.

Likewise Ajith believes he can match the likes of fellow Indian F2 drivers Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaren, if not better them. He believes life not about just winning but enjoying and following what the heart tells you. “It is a combination of various factors. Upbringing, circumstances, experiences, fatherhood and others around you bring in a lot of maturity and confidence. I believe that all of us have two choices in live I chose the latter,” life -to exist or to live. latter” says the Billa star.

Ajith has fond memories of his first stint as a racer and cherishes his two podium finishes at British F3 2004 Scholarship Class. Likewise he believes his best effort in his movie career is the 1999 film `Valee’ because that film gave him recognition and he is glad he did the project.

Ajith believes he is improving with every race in his first F2 season and finds the entire package thrilling. “Most of the circuits are very demanding of both the driver and car. But, it makes the races more exciting. The cars are very powerful and close to F1 specifications. For my build, I feel the F2 cars are better suited than the F3 I have driven earlier,” says Ajith, who will next be seen at Monza, Italy . “The emphasis is to provide every driver an even playing platform to showcase his driving abilities. The Williams JPH1B F2 car was designed by the Williams F1 team and features ground effect aerodynamics and a sophisticated composite survival cell complying with the 2005 F1 safety regulations,” adds Ajith.

On whether the season has gone as expected, he said, “With three rounds already over, I have got quite used to the car. My agenda for the first few races was to finish, which I did. From the forthcoming rounds onwards it will be time to get better qualifying and finish positions.” As for his goal in his debut F2 season, he said, “My realistic goal is to try and complete every race. I will drive to the best of my abilities and as I progress into the various rounds, I hope to score some points this season. Therefore, I am working hard at understanding the car as well as learning the various tracks.” Passionate as he is about racing, does he fear his second stint at the paddock would affect his career as an actor? “I have decided to act in just one film a year. My 50th film will start when the current racing season is over. Therefore, my career as an actor will not get affected by my racing.

Motor racing is a parallel career option I am seriously pursuing. My family, friends and fans are a tremendous support,” says Ajith firmly.

He has great regard for friend and guide Narain Karthikeyan and shares the ace driver’s fitness trainer Ramji Srinivasan. Ajith is keen to improve the health of motor sports in India and has spoken to the Tamil Nadu Government to give more importance for motor sports.

“The day is not far,” he says, “when three Indians will be in F1.”

Source: The New Indian Express 23rd May 2010

Read More..

Ajith's latest racing images from Monza, Italy

Read More..

Ajith's new images at Morocco

Read More..

Racing Mania: Ajith interview to TOI

By SRINIVASA RAMANUJAM

Ajith has been experiencing a radically different life in the past few months. For, it’s been quite a while since the actor has been busy facing the camera! Instead, he’s been on the racing track, enjoying every minute with the machines that he loves so much. This year, Ajith will not be in town to celebrate his birthday much to the disappointment of his fans. CT got talking to the actor to gauge his passion for the sport and life beyond the camera a few hours before he left for the F-2 races in Morocco.

• Back on the track after a long time… how are you getting used to the machines?

Everything is going as planned. It’s a learning phase for me now, as I’m getting used to my car and its speed and setup. When it comes to racing, the more time you put in, the more you benefit. That’s exactly what I’m doing at the moment.

• Has your passion for racing increased?

Well, it’s always been there. I believe that there’s a time for everything. And, everything happens for a reason. I hate it when people say that racing is my hobby. It isn’t. It’s much more than that.

• But some people say that you’re not good enough as a racer…

I’ve come back to racing after six years; you obviously cannot expect a podium finish so soon! The least I can do is participate and give my best while racing. I could have easily given 200 days of my life to a producer and made money, but I’ve learnt that life isn’t about winning or losing; it’s about following your heart and living your dreams. I’m hoping that my participation will promote the sport and for that, I’m looking for like-minded people to collaborate with. Now that the cricket craze has died down post the IPL, I hope people will come forward to promote motorsport too. A sponsor, I feel, needs to have an emotional connect with the team and the racer.

• What plans do you have for your birthday and what’s your message to fans?

I’ll be racing in Morocco on my birthday. I just want to tell my fans to live their lives to the fullest. Pursue what your heart tells you and don’t be worried about failure.

SHALINI AND ANUSHKA MUST BE MISSING YOU ON THE HOME FRONT…

YES, THEY ARE. MY DAUGHTER IS VERY YOUNG AND SHE’S NOT USED TO SEEING ME DISAPPEAR FROM HOME FOR SO LONG. I’M TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT I COME HOME BETWEEN RACES, EVEN IF IT IS JUST FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. AND, ON THOSE DAYS, I ALWAYS SPEND TIME PLAYING WITH ANUSHKA.

WHEN IS THE GAUTHAM MENON FILM HAPPENING?

I’M IN TOUCH WITH GAUTHAM AND THE PRODUCER. IT’S GOING TO BE MUCH MORE THAN JUST MY 50TH FILM; WE’RE LOOKING AT MAKING A MOVIE THAT’LL BE A WIN-WIN FOR EVERYONE. I’M PLANNING TO SHOOT ONLY ONE FILM PER YEAR AND GIVE THE AUDIENCE A QUALITY PRODUCT. GAUTHAM AND I WILL START SHOOTING FROM OCTOBER. SO, TILL THEN, IT’S GOING TO BE MOTORSPORT.

Source: Times of India (Dated: 30-4-2010)

Read More..

Ajith:'Racing is another career option for me'

open images in new tab to view larger....

Source:Sify

Read More..

Kollywood star gets behind the wheel after six-year break

NO matter how many times fate took Kollywood star Ajith Kumar away from the race tracks, somehow he always found his way back.

A motorsports enthusiast all his life, Ajith began dabbling in bike racing before he joined the film fraternity. He was racing on and off and had competed in several international competitions including F3, Formula BMW Asia and the British F3 Championships.

The simple coincidences in his life are a mark of his deep rooted connection to the sport. His favourite racer Ayrton Senna — Brazilian driver and winner of three F1 races — died on his birthday, May 1; Ajith’s two-year-old daughter Anoushka was born on Michael Schumacher’s birthday, January 3; and Ajith’s first international race in 2003 was held on Ayrton’s birthday, March 21.

All smiles: Ajith taking a break at the circuit.

Now, the hero dubbed the Ultimate Star is back on the tracks after a six-year break for the F2 2010 that will be held in April in Europe.

Ajith was recently in Malaysia to test out his Formula Renault V6 car and StarMetro caught up with him to find out more about what makes him tick.

“I guess I have some unfinished business with racing. It feels like a homecoming,” he said.

Ajith added that he had come to Sepang as it was one of the best circuits and the logistics support here is amazing.

He had with him Korean racing team E’Rain and the services of Piers Hunnisett, one of the founders of Eurasia Sports Management.

On the road again: Ajith reaching out for his helmet before getting into his race car.

Coming back to the track is not an easy transition and Ajith has done everything to ensure he is fit for the tracks. Besides training vigorously on the circuit, he has lost 11 kgs in two weeks with cardio and weight training.

The F2 race is a feeder series for the F1 races and many F1 bosses come to the races to keep an eye out for drivers. The first three winners from F2 would qualify for the Super licence.

Another feeder for the F1 is the GP2 but the cost is almost double that of the F2.

“The competition is going to be pretty intense. It is a huge exposure for all the drivers,” Ajith said.

Motorsports is definitely an expensive hobby and many companies are unsupportive of the other races except F1.

“They forget that in order for the racers to qualify for F1 they have to go through the other races as well,” said Ajith, who is in negotiations for his sponsorship.

However, for Ajith, F1 is not his ultimate goal, as he believes in competing to the highest level with his own talent and ability.

According to Ajith, motorsports are still a very niche hobby in India and he hoped his celebrity status would help expand the sport to the rural areas.

“Life is very short. Do not let the spark out of your life. Do the things you love to do,” he said.

This same enthusiasm and the support his family has shown him over the years are the reasons behind his repeated success as a racer.

Ajith, who is married to actress Shalini, said it was she who prompted him to get behind the wheel again.

“I was in a race meet last February and Shalini said she had not seen me so happy in a long time. She told me to pursue my dreams of racing,” he added.

His parents have also been behind his decision and Ajith plans to bring both Shalini and his daughter to Europe for the race.

Ajith had some words of wisdom to share with young racing enthusiasts who take to the streets to fulfil their passion.

“For those who enjoy speed, go to your local motor sports centre. There you can rent the venue for a few hours a day and race in a controlled environment,” he said.

As for his next movie venture, Ajith said the film starts shooting in October after the F2 race and the director will be Gautham Menon, famous for hits like Khakaa Khakaa and Vaaranam Aayiraam.

For more details on the Formula 2 race in Europe, visit http://www.formulatwo.com/

Source: The Star (Malaysian Magazine) (Dated: 13-3-2010)

Read More..