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Ford India signs on Narain

Automobile giant Ford India Limited today announced its sponsorship to ace Indian Formula Three (F-3) champion Narain Karthikeyan for two races - at the Macau World Championship circuit and Seoul in South Korea.

Announcing the sponsorship in Madras, Ford India managing director Phil Spender said that under the agreement, Narain, the fastest Indian driver in the world, will race with the prestigious Stewart Racing team, under the expert guidance of Jackie Stewart, for the races to be held on November 21 and 28, at Macau and Seoul respectively.

Stewart, one of the top all-time Formula One drivers, endorsed Narain's racing career and said: "He is doing a great job. Without any infrastructure support, he has been doing exceedingly well."

Fresh from his stint in the European and British F-3 circuits, an elated Narain said: "I am really looking forward to the races at Macau and Seoul. It's a really exciting partnership with Ford India limited.

"I had a very successful year so far and the best year in the European circuits and British Championships, where I finished sixth overall with two wins and three podium finishes.

"I will be driving for a very successful and prestigious team thanks to the efforts of Mr Spender. I want to make a mark as I will be racing along with the world's top F-3 drivers on the circuit."

Narain, who has been training hard for the last two months, said competition will be very tough as it is an invitation event. "If I do well, many doors will open up and I hope to do my best," he said.

The Stewart Racing team had won thrice in Macau and have a very good record.

"The circuit is about 4.3 miles long and the roads were bumpy. Stewart has a lot of experience and I have a definite advantage," he added.

On his chances in Seoul, he said, "It's a new circuit, introduced for the first time in the racing calendar. It will be an equal platform for all the participants. A better performance there will help me in coming closer to the Formula One racing.

"It is nice that the South Korean government recognises the values of motor racing and is nurturing some young drivers."

About the new car he would be driving, Narain, the first Indian and the Asian ever to win the Formula Asia Championship with seven pole positions, seven wins and seven lap records, said: "It's very amazing. It's fast and the performance is very good. Normally I used to drive in excess of 250, with the new car I touched 285," he added.

To a question, Phil Spender said: "It's too premature to say about the company's future sponsorship to Narain for the 2000 racing season. We do not want to put pressure on Narain. Let us take one thing at a time."

On the company's present tie-up, he said, "It's very unique as the Ford Ikon is pleased to have an Indian icon. It is an irony that Narain was born in Chennai and this vibrant company is signing him up at Chennai."

UNI