Indians make F-1 debut at Sepang

This weekend’s contest involves 10-lap races tomorrow and on Sunday to keep the Sepang F1 fans entertained before the main event. The Indian team is represented by hot Tamil hero Ajit Kumar and Coimbatore’s Raj Virdhan and is managed by Akbar Ibrahim.

The two drivers are ranked fourth and sixth, respectively in the Formula India National championship. it will be their debut in the Asia championship but both are confident and have high hopes.

“As I started late in my career for car racing, I am not aiming to become a Formula One driver but want to achieve high ranks in other international racing competions,” said Ajit Kumar.

“I am very excited to be here as I always wanted to compete in car racing but did not have the opportunity,” he added.

The 19-year-old Virdhan has only one goal. “I want to become a Formula One driver. My commitment to myself is to remain focused, determined and disciplined.” His all time hero is the late great Brazilian champion Aryton Senna, while he also admires Colombia’s Juan Pablo Montoya and Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen.

India has several good drivers in Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandok but due to lake of sponsorships they have not figured in many international events,” said Ajit Kumar, adding that the sport was now catching up back home.

“I think in another few years we will see Indian drivers in Formula One races,” he said.