New Delhi, July 21: India's racing whizkid Karun Chandok was in for a pleasant surprise yesterday when the Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone met him during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone circuit in England. Ecclestone showed keen interest in Chandok's career and discussed the future of drivers from Asia, and India in particular, in Formula One.

"His advice and guidance was invaluable and as a driver it is fantastic to know that a man at that level is lending his support to me. He also introduced me to some of the drivers, which was great," Chandok said in a statement today. Ecclestone also took Chandok on a visit to the grid which pleased the Indian no ends.

"I must say I was really excited about it since the F1 grid is a very reserved area. The atmosphere was just something unbelievable with the stars in their cars pulling up onto the starting grid for the final half-hour countdown."

There was more excitement in store for Chandok who also met Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger and crown Prince of Bahrain.

"My whole arm seemed to disappear into 'Arnie's' when I shook it. I just didn't realise how big the guy is till I met him !" Chandok said about his meeting with Schwarzenegger.

Bureau Report