LONDON, April 16: Formula racer Narain Karthikeyan is all set to become the first Indian to compete in world autosport Formula-3 championship, when he takes on a strong field in the prestigious British Open on April 26.The 22-year-old Indian, who is making waves on the circuit and is being seen as a bright prospect for the ultimate challenge in autosport -- the Formula 1 -- is confident of a good showing in the prestigious race.
Dubbed ``the fastest Indian in the world'' on the circuit following his fine showing in the Formula Asia Championships, which he won in 1996, Karthikeyan has already carved a niche for himself in the racing circles with an overall seventh position, including a fine win in a race, in the Vauxhall Championships last season.
The win at Vauxhall also earned him recognition for his brilliance in wet weather conditions.
``He is on the fast track of world motor racing circuit and has the potential to make it to formula one,'' said Glen Waters, head of the intersport team, of whichNarain is a member.
The single seater British F-3 series has been recognised as a crucial stepping stone on the road to Formula 1 racing and has spawned six world champions and provided essential experience to current top Formula-1 drivers, including champion Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Eddie Invine, Johnny Herbet and Mikka Hakkinen.
Karthikeyan, son of former Indian national rally champion GR Karthikeyan, who says his life-long ambition is to become the first Indian F-1 driver, is on the fast track to realise his dream come true.
He begun his hunt for the top honours in F-3 with a title already under his belt, the prestigious McDowell Grand Prix, which he won in his home town Chennai in February this year.
Karthikeyan attended the Elf-Winfield Racing School in France when he was just 16 and two years later, in 1994, became the first Indian to win a championship in Europe, when he raced to victory in the British Formula Ford Series.
He will go into his third race in F-3 seasons on April 26 alongwith his Norfolk-based Intersport racing team, whose past drivers include world champion Hill.
``Circuit driving is becoming very popular in India and there will be many talented drivers coming out of the country, but I am confident that I can be the first to make it to the top,'' Karthikeyan said.
He said his dream of becoming a Formula racing driver has been fulfilled due to sponsorship by Kingfisher, the flagship brand of United Breweries of India.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
