By Anand Philar, IANS
Chennai : Ashwin Sundar, just 17, has become the latest Indian entrant in Formula racing after signing up with the MaCon Motor Sports team for a three-year sponsorship to race in the German Formula Volkswagen ADAC Championship.
Ashwin was among one of two selected from eight candidates drawn from Europe and Asia following a two-day test at the team’s own 2.7-km circuit in Berlin.
The eight shortlisted drivers were provided with 165 bhp Formula Konig cars running on Volkswagen engines for evaluation.
The Chennai-based Sundar last year won titles in two classes of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship and in 2006 was adjudged Champion of Champions following his victories in the two-wheeler section besides Formula Swift and Hyundai classes.
Driving for Team Ram’s Racing, Ashwin underlined his talent when he won the overall championship last year on debut in the Formula Rolon-Chevrolet class.
A few months ago, Sudnar had indicated that he would rather pursue a career in two-wheeler racing instead of Formula car in view of the budgets involved.
“Indeed, I am extremely happy for Ashwin. I think, he has all the attributes of a quality racing driver,” Parasuram, the owner of Ram’s Racing and who has worked closely with Sundar the past three years, told IANS.
“From what I could gather from the tests in Germany, Ashwin was quicker than the rest by nearly 1.3 seconds which I feel is quite phenomenal considering that the going was wet and he had very little time to get used to the car and learn the track. I am sure he will do well in the championship,” he said.
Marian Hamprecht, owner of the MaCon Motor Sports team, said: “We are very happy to have Ashwin Sundar in our team for the next three years. He has shown immense talent by winning the testing sessions held in Germany in February 2008. His progress has been clearly evident and culminated into his successful entry into the team.”
Ashwin was naturally elated.
“It is a dream come true and I never expected that it would come so soon to me. I am thankful to JK Tyre and Ram’s Racing for providing me such a good platform. I am also grateful to MaCon Motor Sports for adopting me and I look forward to do the best for the team,” he said.
“I will be joining F3 German series from next year, and will try to be amongst the top three in the upcoming championship.”
German Formula Volkswagen ADAC championship 2008 consists of eight rounds and will be held on various circuits in Germany. With this tie-up Ashwin has now set his eyes on the 2010 Formula 3 European series.