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Indian ace wins first Formula title

Narain Karthikeyan, driving a Dallara Mugen-Honda run by Carlin Motorsport, became the first Indian to win a round of the Autosport British Formula Three Championship, England's leading single-seater series.

The young Indian ace, who occupied pole position in both rounds, placed second in the first race and then won in rough five.

Another Asian, Alex Yoong in a Dallara Mugen-Honda run by Alan Docking Racing, chased Karthikeyan home in the 25-lap (30.5-mile) event and came in second.

Round Four was won by Brazilian Luciano Burti, also in a Dallara Mugen-Honda run by Stewart Racing, who capitalised on a first lap mistake by Karthikeyan to take the lead, which he then held for the remaining 24-laps despite heavy pressure from the Indian driver. Third was Championship leader Marc Hynes (Dallara Mugen-Honda run by Manor Motorsport) with National Class winner Martin O'Connell (Dallara Toyota run by Rowan Racing) right behind him.

Second time round, though, Karthikeyan was a start to finish leader. From pole he made a good start, and from then on he was the quickest driver on the track - pulling away from the rest of the field lap-by-lap.

Praising his car, the jubilant Indian said, "It's a good day for me and for Indian motorsport. I hope this will wake people there up to what I am doing and get them to support me. I got a good start, but the car was perfect and I could do quick times all day. When I had a big lead I stopped pushing so hard as I knew I could not make a mistake, but by then the race was won."