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In through the out door

With only 24 drivers in the world lucky enough to race each year in a Formula 1 car, the path to Formula 1 is long and arduous and the final selection of drivers is dependant on the political, social and financial environments which exist at the time - not to mention the driver’s talent behind the wheel!

And that, in sum, sums up the goal Narain Karthikeyan has set his sights on. In a recent media briefing, he indicated that he was gunning for one of the greatest challenges open to a modern day sportsman - a place on the Formula 1 grid within the next millennium.

Interestingly, in this endeavour, it is support from his native land that could make a huge difference to his prospects.

Narain has enjoyed a growing support from mainstream British fans. Extensive media exposure has also come his way as a result of his backing from some of India’s premier companies - Kingfisher, Mobil One and TATA. In a recent prime time story on British television dealing with the impending retirement of Damon Hill, Narain was featured as the up-and-coming driver to fill the enormous void left by Britain’s favourite sportsman. With three English drivers battling for superiority in the series and Brazil’s Luciano Burti lying in second place overall, this recognition serves to underline Karthikeyan's skills on the track.

Narain’s total dominance during his historic two race wins this season in F3 have already made their mark on the Formula One establishment. Formula One is led by technology and financed by marketing objectives -- and the prospect of capturing the attention of Narain’s millions of supporters in India appears to have stimulated the marketing machinery which effects the decisions of major corporations who back this high profile sport.

“I have only two objectives - and that is to race in Formula One and be the first ever World Champion from my country," says Karthikeyan. "I am breaking new ground and there is no known path for me to follow, but with the support of my people back home, and India’s premier companies, I will be able to achieve the first objective - and become a player in the world series.”

When it comes to support, India could well take the cue from Brazil, which is renowned for its support to those of its native sons who have succeeded in the Formula One arena. Similar backing for Karthikeyan from India's 950 million-strong population base could well see a new Formula One star emerge on the horizon.