India's motor racing star Karun Chandhok will figure in his first race of the season this weekend when the first two rounds of the World Series will be run at the Zolder circuit in Belgium.
Karun, who is driving for Italy's RC Motorsport, is realistic about his chances for the weekend ahead in the all-new 3500cc V6 powered cars, which are capable of speeds of over 300 Kmh.
"I've never been to Zolder, but Narain [Karthikeyan] said it isn't a particularly hard circuit to learn. Testing has been okay so far, not as good as we had hoped, and we are certainly paying a bit for missing the first couple of test sessions.
"I think as the season progresses we will get stronger, but, for sure, the aim in the first two-three
The 21-year old Chennai lad, who is backed by JK Tyre, the Tata Group and Ucal, spoke highly about the competition for the season ahead.
"It's a really tight field this year. Last year I qualified 1.3 seconds off pole at Jerez and was fifth, but this year 1.3 seconds puts you 19th! Drivers like Adrian Valles, Marcus Winklehock, Will Power, and Felix Portiero are all tremendously experienced at this level and very quick drivers. So it's going to be a tough year."
The two races for the weekend are to be held on Sunday (May 1), following two qualifying sessions on Saturday.