Red Bull Motorsports
MotoGP
Nothing short of pole position will do for Rajiv Sethu
The young racer from Chennai opens up about the hardships he has faced as an ambitious racer and how he wants to make his mark on Indian motorcycle racing.
Rajiv Sethu represented India in an international race for the first time during the 2015 Honda Asia Dream Cup.
At the age of 17, the first race of 14 laps around Malaysia’s famed Sepang International Circuit was a steep learning curve as he let his nerves get to him. He crashed out of the race in the opening weekend and had to miss the rest of the competition as he recovered from his injuries.
But having come through wiser after that challenge, he has added a few feathers to his racing cap. In 2017, he became the national champion in the Pro Stock 165cc category of the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship and followed it up with a first runner-up finish in the Honda CBR 250 Cup. He is also the first Indian to race in the Asia Production 250cc class of the Asian Road Racing Championship.
Rajiv Sethu
© FISTO SPORTS
Are you enjoying the process of your sport or do you worry about the outcomes?
I am enjoying each part of my sports career. It feels like heaven. I can proudly say that I am really privileged to be a part of this field.
Name one habit that you want to break, or you have successfully broken?
I feel like I must take it easy on the track. I should not let the pressure get to my head right before the race. I will have to break that habit.
What drives you to train every day?
Motivation and my goals drive me to go for training every day. I foresee that I will be a champion one day. That kind of goal needs serious commitment, and I will have to put in the work diligently.
Do you have any pre-race rituals?
I pray before I touch my race machine. I truly believe in god and hope that he bestows his blessings upon me.
What does it mean to you to represent India?
[The joy of] representing India is something that cannot be described through words. I feel really proud to raise the tricolour. That pride keeps me going even when I’m hit with difficulties.
What would be your ultimate achievement?
The ultimate goal is to race in the MotoGP world championship.
Rajiv Sethu is 19 years old
© FISTO SPORTS
How would you wish for people to recognize you in 10 years?
I want to be known as a disciplined athlete, and moreover, my eventual goal is to be the world champion.
What part of your performances do you think need improvement?
As I am into racing, I will have to work to improve my concentration and to be a calmer racer. Sticking to the basics will surprisingly benefit any sportsman, and it’s important to follow strategies which keep you grounded.
What were the initial hurdles you faced in your career, and how did you tackle them?
To be able to finance my racing career was worrisome and seemed futile, but then Honda came into the picture. From then, there has been no looking back. They have supported me in every way possible. It is now my responsibility to grow in the sport and return the favour.
What are your short-term goals?
My short-term goal is to come on top at the Asian Championship.
What has been your most embarrassing moment on track?
When I was leading in a race at Thailand and I crashed in the last lap of the race. It was a huge loss for me. I ended up losing the race, but I also believe that the entire race was a learning curve and vowed to never repeat those mistakes again.
Which is your favourite racing team?
My favourite team is Repsol Honda. I like them because they maintain a great name for themselves, and the collective discipline they possess is something I aspire to reach.
According to you, who is the greatest Indian athlete of all time?
In racing, I like Mr. Rajini Krishnan, who is an 11-time Indian national champion. I also like S Sarath Kumar, who is the first Indian to race at the world championships.
This article was originally published on Fistosports.com. To read the full article on their website, click here.
