Indian driver in F1 frame

Bombay - Narain Karthikeyan, dubbed the world's fastest Indian, is set to become the first person to represent the country in Formula One racing. Karthikeyan, 28, received an offer to drive for Jordan, recently taken over by Midland group, owned by tycoon Alexander Shnaider, in Formula One Grand Prix this season. The slightly built Karthikeyan will take on the likes of world champion Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button in the new season. At a press meet on Tuesday Karthikeyan said: "I have agreed to drive for the Jordan Formula One team for the 2005 season. I have had several ups and downs in my motor racing career and I am at the threshold of realising my dreams". "I am confident I can do a decent job," he said. Karthikeyan shifts into high gear with the commencement of the Formula One season at the Australian Grand Prix on March 6. One of India's largest private sector companies, the Tata Group, as well as state-owned refinery Bharat Petroleum Corporation will sponsor Karthikeyan, while talks are on with tyre company JK Tyres. "Narain will make his foray into Formula One racing. Money is a subsidiary consideration. The most important thing is that Narain will realise his dreams," said Romit Chaterji, vice president of Tata Services. Karthikeyan has already test driven for the Jordan and Jaguar teams, and was the first Indian to drive a Formula One car professionally last year for Red Bull in the World Series by Nissan. He was offered the chance to drive for Minardi in 2003, but was unable to raise enough in sponsorship money to secure the offer. http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,,2-9-32_1655854,00.html