Narain clinches F-1 deal with Jordan GP

London:

It's official. Narain Karthikeyan will drive for Jordan Grand Prix in the 2005 Formula One world championship after finalising the deal today. Jordan GP, recently taken over by Russia-born Canadian business tycoon Alexander Schnaider, announced the signing of the 28-year old Indian and Tiago Monteiro of Portugal as its race drivers for the season. The deal, details of which were not disclosed, makes Narain the first ever Indian to drive in the elite division of motorsport racing. After signing on the dotted line, Narain said, "My aim has always been to compete in F1, it is where no Indian driver has been before. "I've got the hopes of a nation behind me so I've no choice but to succeed now," he said. "I have tested with three different Formula 1 teams at various circuits and I'm going to give it everything I've got. I am confident that this is going to be a good year for me," Narain added. The 2005 F1 championship, consisting of 19 races, starts with the Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne on March 6. (PTI)