06/04/2005
NEWS STORY
The computer giant Sahara Computers has bought the franchise for India's entry in the forthcoming A1 Grand Prix series.
Managing Director of Sahara Computers, which is understood to have an annual turnover of around £100m, Alok Gupta, has confirmed that his company has bought the franchise.
"We feel honoured and privileged to be the seat holder for India," he told reporters in India, "and believe that A1 Grand Prix brings back the real passion to motorsport where the talent and technique of the driver supersedes the machine.
"A1 ignites the fire of patriotism which has been lacking in the sport for some time and I would like to thank Sheikh Maktoum and his team to have bought this concept into reality."
15 teams/countries have already been confirmed for the series, which kicks off at Brands Hatch in September. Although the full calendar has yet to be announced, several more entries will be announced in the coming weeks.
The series, which was launched little more than a year ago, has grabbed the headlines in recent weeks with the news that a number of soccer stars, including Ronaldo, have bought franchises.