What are your views on the Indian Grand Prix?The Indian Grand Prix will be the most spectacular race due to the incredible fan support. Fans make the event. It will be a great moment to be in India. My girlfriend and I love spicy Indian food, especially tikka masala. I will surely come to India for the race next year. I will be happy to spend a whole week here as my three visits so far (including Friday’s) have been short affairs.

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How can F1 be made popular in India?Cricket I know is huge in India and you guys are pretty incredible. But with a GP in India and more exposure to F1 racing, perhaps young kids can begin to think of motor racing as an alternate sport. They perhaps can aspire to become Chandhoks and Karthikeyans.

What’s your take on the season so far and the incident at Monza?The season has been close so far and the going has been fantastic. I love challenges and I am enjoying my racing career. The incident at Monza (Hamilton collided with Ferrari’s Felipe (Massa) was unfortunate, nine out of 10 times I would have avoided it. When you are going at high speeds, you need to make decisions in split seconds and I made a mistake. With five races left, I’m still in the hunt for the title but Webber, Alonso and Button are pushing hard.

What is the secret of your domination?It is not easy to dominate in F1 and it is hugely team work. It is off-track effort as well and depends a lot on your life off the track. It also depends on how you understand your machine. A good car, determination and an amazing understanding of equipment is very important.

Can you throw some light on your first meeting with Ron Dennis?At the age of 10, I won the British championship and had no fears. I used to walk up to the drivers and ask for their autograph. One day, my dad pointed to Ron Dennis and told me that he was the McLaren team boss. I walked up to him for an autograph, which also had provisions for the address and telephone numbers. I told him I won the British championships and one day I want to be racing in your cars. Dennis wrote his phone number and asked me to phone him in nine years. Fortunately, he called me in three years.

What do you think of Karun Chandhok?Karun Chandhok is young and it is great for him and for India. I hope he gets better opportunities as he has a good future ahead of him. F1 is a tough sport especially as it also depends on how much more you can bring than your ability. I am sure some opportunity will open up for him and he will get a better car.