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DRIVING FORMULA ONE DREAM: Narain Karthikeyan, the fastest Indian on wheels, with Dr V. Sumantran, Executive Director - Passenger Car Business Unit, Tata Motors, at a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday. — Paul Noronha

Mumbai , Feb. 1

NARAIN Karthikeyan has finally made it to Formula One racing.

India's leading racing car driver, at a press briefing here on Tuesday, said, "I have, in principle, agreed to drive for Team Jordan in the 2005 season." The agreement will be finalised in a few days.

The F1 calendar for the year starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6. The Tata Group, principal sponsors for Karthikeyan during his Nissan World Series days, will support him at the apex rung of the sport as well.

"The Tata Group will be one of my sponsors for Formula One. Since I wish to ensure prominent branding space on the Jordan car to the sponsors who have stood by me for the last few years, the Tata Group and BPCL will feature initially on the car. Thereafter, we have some other sponsors who are expected to take on the mantle," he said.

When asked neither Dr V. Sumantran, Executive Director, Tata Motors, nor Mr Romit Chaterji, Vice-President (Corporate Affairs), Tata Services, disclosed the sponsorship amount.

"The main consideration is getting an Indian to the F1 track," Mr Chaterji said. "It has been Narain's long-cherished dream and the dream of all motor racing enthusiasts in India to see him participating in F1," Dr Sumantran said.

Karthikeyan has returned consistent performance in the Nissan World Series, with wins at Magny Cours and Valencia, both F1 circuits. He has also test-driven for the F1 teams of Jordan, Jaguar and Minardi.

"His entry into Formula One is absolutely historic and well-deserved. He is extremely quick and has got the talent," Mr Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor, Autocar India, said when contacted.

Less-talented people have made it in the past to motor racing's top rung, courtesy their ability to market themselves and raise the funds required to earn a berth in F1.

As it happens, mere selection by a F1 team does not guarantee chance to drive on the circuit. Funds have to be tabled for it, and it is this critical funding gap that Karthikeyan's sponsors will now bridge, enabling the talented driver's debut in F1, Mr Sorabjee explained.

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