Indian Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan has hired physio and trainer Balbir Singh, famous for his association with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.


Narain Karthikeyan

Singh will help Karthikeyan get through the physical and mental rigours of the season which kicked off at Albert Park last week.


Balbir Singh

Singh, a Punjab-born German stepped into F1 after Schumacher offered him the role of his personal physio ahead of his Ferrari debut in 1996.

Karthikeyan, who failed to qualify for the Australian Grand Prix, recalled his meeting with Singh during the Indian Grand Prix in October saying the physio got the best out him.

"It was certainly different -- Balbir got the best out of me not only in terms of fitness, but I was in a much better place mentally as well. My concentration levels were better, despite the fact that it was the toughest weekend of the season -- both outside and inside the car," said Karthikeyan. Besides working with Schumacher for a decade, Singh was also part of the Force India outfit.