Motor-racing star Karun Chandok today expressed confidence that he would drive on the elite Formula 1 circuit by 2006 and said he was satisfied with his progress in the 'scholarship class' in the Formula 3 British championship.

Chandok, 19, who is into the second year in the scholarship class, told reporters in Chennai that he would shift to the 'championship class' in the coming season and then compete in the Formula 2 Renault events, or in the Formula Nissan events.

Depending on his success in the next 18 months, he will think of his goal of competing in Formula 1. "It is for sure that I will perhaps be the first Indian to be in Formula 1 in 2006," he said.

Stating that the coming season would be crucial, Chandok said he has the satisfaction of having been successful so far in the game. "We spent over Rs 2.2 crore [approximately US $483,500] during the season and require over Rs 3 crore [$659,000] in the coming season," he said.

Chandok said he had eight wins from the first 18 races this season, where a total grid competed. Only the last six races of the 12 event double-legged races had four top contenders vying for honours. "In the overall positions for championship and scholarship class, I finished among the top 10 eight times."

Chandok said the scholarship class, according to British media ratings, is much more competitive. Only 9.5 points separate the first- and third-placed drivers in this class, he pointed out.

He said almost all team managements in the championship class had talked to him to represent them. "But I have decided to stay with 'T' sport, which has been instrumental in [making me] what I am today, for the coming season."

On taking up motorsport as a career, Chandok, who has just completed his school final, said, "it was not an easy decision to leave one's family and put studies on hold and take up sport as a career. But motorsport has given me tremendous exposure. I have travelled to over 10 countries. I am sure it will prove to be lucrative in course of time, when I am successful."