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(Source: official Instagram)
Two-time Formula 1 World champion Mika Hakkinen often called ‘The Flying Finn,’ inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Karting track in Chennai. The Track is called MIKA (Madras International Karting Arena) built with global standards.
The Karting track has Floodlights, Advanced control rooms, and a Holding arena with charging facilities for electric Go-Karts. Mika Hakkinen opened the Track along with Indian Formula 1 drivers Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.
This new track was built on Madras International Circuit (MIC) in Irungattukottai, outside Chennai. It was designed by Driven International, an organization based in the United Kingdom. MIKA was stopped in chennai for the opening of the track after that he will be leaving singapore for the 2024 singapore Grand Prix.
Mika Hakkinen was a prominent figure in Formula 1 history. He is known for his battles against 7 time world champion and Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher in the 90s. He won the 1998 and 1999 Formula 1 world championships.
Excited to see the new track 👍 https://t.co/48D0XNlGUI
— Mika Häkkinen (@F1MikaHakkinen) September 17, 2024
Not the First time in chennai
This is the second time in India that a Formula One world champion has gotten involved with a race track in chennai. Previously Three-time Formula One World champion Jackie Stewart laid the foundation for the Madras International Circuit. It is named the Madras Motorsport Race Track. The track was 1.2 kilometers long which is perfect for karting and racing. After the inauguration, Mika Hakkinen, Karun Chandhok, and Narain Karthikeyan took a spin off the track.
The former world champion spoke to the press in chennai. He said. “One must learn to lose and enjoy the win, and to control ones emotions. As one moves up the racing ladder, its a whole different world out there. There is a lot of pressure from family, friends, and teams. So, one must be able to deal with the pressure.” When asked about Indian Formula 2 driver Kush Maini, Mika Hakkinen heaped praise on him. He said, “Kush Maini is good. He is doing well in F2. I feel he has it in him to go all the way to F1.”