Ferrari's Ross Brawn and Tendulkar swap souvenirs

BBC Five Live's Jonathan Legard caught up with him at the European GP.

This is becoming something of a habit - it's your second race in three.

I really enjoy it. This is my off-season so it is the best time to go and see races. Once the cricket season starts it gets very difficult.

Is it nice going to places where no one knows who you are?

That's what holidaying is all about, being with your family with no disturbances.

That is what I thrive for because throughout the season wherever we go there is a lot of following and people want to get close to you.

The start of the cricket season puts Tendulkar back in the spotlight

Are you a new convert to Formula One or are you a passionate petrol head?

I've always enjoyed cars. I started watching Formula One four years ago and in the last couple of years that's grown a bit.

What appealed to you - the skill, the technology, the speed or is it just boys' toys?

It's the speed of the cars and also the noise, the fitness level and everything that happens around Formula One racing. It's always been really exciting.

Your first visit to Formula One has an extraordinary sensation doesn't it?

It has. The first time I saw Formula One race was in 2002 in Silverstone, which was very exciting.

Just the previous evening I had met Michael [Schumacher] and to go out and watch the whole race was really exciting.

Did being a motor racing driver yourself ever cross your mind when you were growing up?

Not really. I always thought of playing cricket and nothing else. But during the off-season whenever I get time we do a lot of go-karting, which is something any car fanatic would love.

Schumi storms to home win European GP photos

Am I right in saying Michael Schumacher gave you a Ferrari?

Fiat in India presented it with me and they decided Michael should hand over the keys at Silverstone.

How often do you get out in it at home?

I love to drive it - it's a fantastic machine. There are specific times when there are not too many people around - that's when you go out and burn the types.

Is Michael the driver you follow? Is there any particular team?

Michael is the one I've really admired because of his consistency over the years. John McEnroe and Pete Sampras are the other sportsmen I've really admired.

There is talk that there will be an Indian Grand Prix in 2006. Have you any idea where it might be?

I really don't know where it's going to happen but I hope that it happens because there are plenty of Formula One fans in India. It's a new sport that is picking up very quickly and the new generation is hooked.

Will you be at another race later in the season?

Our cricket season starts now so there's not much time for us to go anywhere else.

It's my profession and I want to take it very seriously. Once my season starts my entire focus will be on cricket and nothing else.