Indian driver signs up for F2
Kumar is a huge film star in his native country and a keen racing driver, having previously competed in both Asia and Europe. He made his racing debut in 2003, where he contesting selected rounds of the Formula BMW Asia series, and he scored a top six finish during his maiden campaign before moving to the UK in 2004 to compete in the hugely competitive British Formula 3 series. He contested ten races in the National class and scored two podium finishes.
Whilst acting has taken up the majority of Kumar's time in recent years, he feels the time is right to return to racing as the sport continues to grow in his own country.
Ajith Kumar said: "I am really excited about racing in F2. I have a great regard for Jonathan Palmer – thanks to him and his efforts Formula Two is the next best thing to F1. Coming from India with a population of 2 billion, I want to take motor racing in this country to the common man. Right now, it is still a niche sport largely popular in the urban areas. Given my profile as a film star, I hope to use my status to popularize the sport in India.
"I have the confidence of achieving some success in this year's FIA Formula Two Championship. I have already tested some other cars in Malaysia recently and am looking forward to more practice runs in the F2 car at Snetterton and Silverstone before the event kicks off. I hope my participation, along with Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaran, will create the right amount of interest in the sport in India."
F2 Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: "I am delighted to welcome Ajith to F2. To have a well known Indian film star who has demonstrated such ambition now racing in F2 is very exciting for the championship, and I really admire Ajith's determination and enthusiasm. Paul Newman demonstrated that international celebrities can be competitive in international motorsport – and late in his career. Ajith on the other hand is several years younger than both Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. The F2 team and other drivers look forward to giving maximum support to help Ajith become increasingly competitive."