More sponsorship is driving us in right direction: Narain

Chennai, Aug 4 (UNI)India's motorsports icon and the first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan today expressed happiness that motorsports in India were becoming popular.

''The sport is catching up in India. We are going in the right direction and more sponsors are coming forward to encourage youngsters to take to this sport as a profession'', Narain, nicknamed 'the fastest Indian', said, at a press conference to announce the second edition of his sponsors' Amaron Karting challenge event here.

He said, from the sponsors point of view also the return on investment was getting better.

However, he stressed the importance of taking to Karting in the early stages in the sport. ''I did not have the opportunity to go for Karting when I started out. I would have loved to. It gived you the best foundation for motor racing'', the Coimbatore talent said.

About his plans, Narain said he would be more consistent this year in A1GP and strive to bring Team India to the top six by winning more races.

''Last year due to my injury, we missed a few points,'' he said.

''My plan is to participate in the A1GP. The new Ferrari car has put given the event on a higher profile'', he said, adding the car and the engine were designed by Ferrar, base on the Formula One car.

In 2005, Narain became the first Indian driver in motorsports' blue riband competition of Formula One Grand Prix, driving for team Jordan.

UNI VV SJ RAR RN1829