Grapevine: Cricketer Supports Karthikeyan

Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, a keen motor racing fan, is in Barcelona for the race in which Jordan driver Karthikeyan will be looking for a strong finish in his debut season in the Formula One championship.

"I'm very glad to be here," Tendulkar said in the pits on Saturday where he sat in Karthikeyan's Toyota-powered car for a photo shoot.

"I got an invitation (from Narain) and there's no greater news than that for an Indian because being a countryman our support is always with him.

"We all stand by him whatever ups and downs he goes through."

The pair posed beside Karthikeyan's car and the batting ace sat in the cockpit amid the roars as the Jordan engineers tested the engine in Portuguese teammate Tiago Monteiro's car.

"Apart from that he's a very nice person, I've known him for a while now," Tendulkar said of his 28-year-old compatriot. "He's a very good driver but he's also a very good person which is more important.

"I've been here (to Grand Prix races) many times although it's a little bit difficult to follow (Formula One) during my cricket season.

"So, whenever there's no cricket at all I try to watch as many races as possible.

"I love this sport, I've always loved cars," said Tendulkar, who drives a Ferrari.

Karthikeyan, born in Madras, is the first Indian to race in motor racing's top category. He has raced in all four Grands Prix so far this season, finishing three.