Nxg

Fitness schedule: I work out six days a week — cardio for three days and building strength for three days. I go for a run on the beach, do some rowing, spinning and also exercise my neck since there’s a lot of strain on it when I’m racing. As far as weight-training goes, I focus more on repetitions than heavy weights, since I don’t need to build muscle.

Diet: When I’m travelling for a race I eat as light as possible; usually pasta, chicken and greens. At home, I eat just about anything. Subway is my personal favourite.

Driving license: (Beams) Got it just a month back.

Track corners or city traffic: It’s much harder driving in the city. You have to be extremely alert all the time.

Sight-seeing: While travelling, my experiences are largely confined to airports and hotels. I haven’t gone on a holiday in a long time. The one holiday I remember enjoying was the island we visited in Spain.

On speed: Speed is just one part; there are so many aspects to racing — technology, analysis with engineers, and adapting to different conditions at different speeds. I interact a lot with my engineers, which helps me improve. Speed gives me a rush, but it’s not the only thing I love about racing.

Speed idol: Ayrton Senna.

If the camera calls: I’m not much of a camera person. I’ve done shoots for my sponsors, which is part of the deal. I understand the need to sell myself as a sportsman, but modelling/acting is not something I will consider full-time.

Music: No particular band, but I do like different DJs. It depends on my mood. By and large I like soft rock and instrumental music.

Can’t do without: My ipod.

Clothing brands: Don’t care too much for brands. If I like something, I’ll pick it off the roadside even if it’s just 50 bucks.

In fact, Michael Schumacher was once spotted in Malaysia buying fake stuff off the road.

Home is: Chennai of course. My parents grew up here, and so did I. Even if I had a choice, I’d choose to live here.