Arab racer eyes F1

(GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has given his backing to an Arab driver's quest to reach the formula one grid by 2009.

In a letter to Lebanese 'A1 GP' driver Basil Shaaban, the F1 supremo wrote: "I am happy to see that you are going to join GP2. This will be a positive way for you to show your talents to formula one teams."

Before F1 or even GP2, however, Shaaban is busy trying to find the more than $1m he needs to contest the British F3 championship next year.

'Arabian Business' reports that his management is in 'advanced talks' with a number of multinationals in Dubai and Beirut.

"I'm hoping to find in the Middle East those who share my vision to show the excellence of the Arab world on an international scale," Shaaban told a news conference.

No agreements have been signed yet.