India’s first Formula One driver, on Monday, also became the first from motor sports to get the Padma award. Narain Karthikeyan was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri along with cricketer Virender Sehwag, shuttler Saina Nehwal, boxer Vijender, hockey player Ignace Tirkey and cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar.

Karthikeyan made his F1 debut at the 2005 Australian GP with Jordan. He has since raced for India in the A1 GP and the Le Mans series.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled. It is a great day, not only in my life, but also for Indian motor sports,” said the 33-year-old in a statement.

India's Narain Karthikeyan missed Le Man 24 hour race due to shoulder injury yesterday in France.

Narain was ready to take part in the race, but unfortunately just 10 minutes before the start of the Le Man 24 hour race Narain was struck by an injury while climbing over the pit-wall to visit the rest-room.

All drivers before the start of every race visit the rest room and Narain slipped and fell during climbing over the pit-wall and dislocated his left shoulder.

Narain said that due to safety reasons the pit-wall was quiet high and he must be the unluckiest driver in the history of Le Mans race.

The Indian A1GP driver Kumar Ram Narain Karthikeyan has finished on 14th place in the qualifying round of the Le Mans' 24- hours race in France.

Narain had qualified for the 2009 Le Mans Series in the qualifying race on 11th may 2009 in Belgium and became first ever Indian to participate in the Le Mans 24 Hour race.

Narain drives for the Kolles Audi Team and is currently driving the turbo-diesel powered, 5.5 litre V12, Audi R10 TDi LMP1 sports car.