New Delhi: The recent deaths of Dan Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli may have reignited the debate about improving safety measures in motorsport, but Indian racer Karun Chandhok believes that focusing too much on them would take away the excitement from Formula One.
Two tragedies struck the motorsport world in the last few days as British racer Wheldon died during an IndyCar Rally in the US and on Sunday, Italy's Simoncelli crashed to death in the MotoGP race in Sepang, Malaysia.
But Chandhok feels that one has to "take his chances" to triumph on the track.
"The moment drivers start looking at safety measures and all, they lose crucial seconds. So, you have to take your chances on the track. No one asked us to join Formula One or placed a gun on our head that you have to race. It's a career we chose," said Chandhok.
"I believe that an element of fate is involved in the race."
"Enough element of danger is also involved in F1. But it's a exciting career and the essence of the excitement would get lost by thinking too much of safety measures," added Chandhok.
Despite many rule changes since the first race in Silverstone (England) in 1950, Formula One continues to be the most dangerous sport in the world.
Recently, Mark Webber and Jenson Button voiced their concerns for improved safety measures following Mexican Sergio Perez's high-speed accident in Monaco GP in a Sauber car in May this year. The incident happened at the same place where Germany's Nico Rosberg lost control and crashed in his Mercedes car during a morning practice session.
Chandhok said the world body, FIA, and Formula One have done enough to make the sport safer.
"Keeping in mind the safety of drivers, FIA has taken into account enough safety parameters. You can see improvement in safety at the various circuits. The risk will always be there. You see, more people die in road accidents in Delhi then on the F1 track," said Team Lotus' reserve driver Chandhok.
On who will emerge victorious in the inaugural Indian GP, Chandhok said it would be a three-way fight among Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren.
"I expect another Red Bull showing, but the McLaren team is equally strong. Mercedes are also a tough competitor. So it will be a three-way fight."
The inaugural edition of the Indian GP is less than a week away, but Chandhok is still waiting to know whether he will drive one of the Lotus cars on the Buddh International Circuit.
"It's a wait-and-watch policy for me. I still don't know the answer. You better ask Tony (Fernandez), the team principal of Lotus," said the 27-year-old.
He added that it would be an exciting moment for Indian fans when he and Narain Karthikeyan compete in Friday's practice session.
Chandhok also hoped that F1 would be able to carve a niche in India.
"The excitement it has caused among people is great."
"Everyone is talking about F1 and the Indians are really excited about the race."
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