Speed thrills
Motoring — May 1, 2004

BPCL is the latest Indian brand to support India's quest for a Formula One drive. Narain Karthikeyan, who is racing in the World Series by Nissan this year, and eyeing a 2005 (at least) Friday/test driver slot, will be Speed's brand ambassador.

Speaking at the press conference, Karthikeyan said, 'The one who brings in the most (of money in sponsorships) stands a better chance. Jos Verstappen brought in $15 million dollars to Jordan. The minimum one needs is two and a half million dollars. Only if you drive for the top five teams - Ferrari, McLaren, Williams, Renault and Sauber) do you actually make money.'

On the subject of his prospects, Narain was cautiously upbeat, "It'll take time for them to notice an Asian, leave alone an Indian. Now the scene for me is very simple. I have to drive as much as possible in an F1 car and get to learn the car more and more. It is only during these tests the teams notice our performance and pick us up. I am sure that I will get more and more test drives like the ones I've had with Jaguar, Jordan, and Minardi. But, I am seriously looking at the Friday driver slot, if not the racing driver's slot. I will be on the circuit and in circulation where it matters.'

Apart from BPCL, Narain Karthikeyan is supported by Tata, JK Industries and Amaron Batteries.