Choudhary relishes Rookies Cup selection event experience
India's lone representative in the Red Bull Rookies Cup selection event Sachin Choudhary believes he has come back with valuable experience for his future, even though he didn't make it to the final list.
The 16-year-old was among the 117 finalists who made it to the final selection held in Spain to determine the grid for 2017 season.
While Choudhary couldn't make it to the final list, the Rookies Cup spokesperson praised the efforts of the Ahmedabad-based rider.
"He did very well, especially considering the fact that he comes from a country that does not have the same sort of racing culture as Spain, Italy, Britain," he said to Motorsport.com.
"It was not easy for him because he is rather tall for the Metrakit that we use in the Selection Event.
"Tall riders have exactly the same problem with the Moto3 KTMs we use for the Rookies Cup itself so only the very best of the tall riders can succeed in Moto3."
After coming back from the event, Choudhary who also competes in the Suzuki Gixxer Cup shared his maiden international experience to Motorsport.com exclusively:
How was the overall experience then?
"The overall experience was fantastic. I met a lot of young talented riders from across the world and shared my riding experience with them as they did with me."
What was the biggest thing you learnt fighting against riders who are more experienced in terms of training than you?
"The riders from other countries start riding and participating in championships at a very young age and so they are able to perform exceptionally well when they arrive at international stage.
Unlike me wherein 2016 is first year into professional racing. So I have to continue to work twice as hard and try to be more competitive in future.
Also what I have learnt is if we want to make a name for ourself in international motorcycle racing, we need to adopt a riding culture in India in which we should expose young kids to motorcycles.
It can be done probably on a go kart track or dirt tracks, but all this should be done under proper guidance of expert riders and coaches from the racing industry in India."
Considering your height which makes it harder for you to adjust on a bike - how difficult it is for you generally and during Rookies Cup?
"My height does make it a little bit difficult for me to ride small bikes but it's something which I have trained myself to work around with.
My coach never told me that my height is something which I should be concerned about. On the contrary he trained and mentored me to work around it.
I race on Suzuki Gixxer bike and I practice with RC 390, two completely different bikes. The two stroke 125cc bikes in Rookies Cup didn't pose an issue with my body position and seating on the bike.
In Spain, my coach gave me a plan to make the best use of the two 15 minutes session to showcase my skills. The plan was to understand the bike, its handling, the track layout and most important of all, no crash."
So what's the plan of action for you for the future?
"As of now I am focusing on the last round of Indian National Championship. My coach Jeeva Reddy takes care of my future plans and training schedules.
We have decided that for next year we want to focus more on my training and fitness and aim to get into the Asia Talent Cup.
I am also looking for sponsors to strengthen my professional racing career and help me make a name for my country and myself in the international racing stage."
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