F1 Indian Grand Prix: Narain Karthikeyan gets Hero boost

Narain Karthikeyan poses along with Hero Motors Managing Director, Pankaj Munjal

Narain Karthikeyan‘s participation in the Airtel Grand Prix of India has just become a certainty after he signed a sponsorship deal with Hero Motors Ltd today. The first Indian to enter into F1 – Narain Karthikeyan, got the much needed sponsorship backup from Hero Motors Ltd for the inaugural Airtel Indian Grand Prix scheduled to be held during October 28-30, 2011. By doing so, Hero Motors become the first Indian Auto manufacturer to foray into F1 as a sponsor. As sponsors of the HRT-Cosworth racing team for the Indian GP, the company will have its logo on Narain’s car. Moreover, the leading auto manufacturer in India, which also owns the Hero Cycles brand, will also be gifting Narain two carbon fibre chassis cycles to help him stay fit.

With this sponsorship deal, Narain’s participation in the first ever F1 race in the Indian sub-continent becomes a certainty. Narain was the first choice driver for the HRT team in this F1 season until the British Grand Prix held in July, wherein he was replaced by Red Bull backed rookie Daniel Ricciardo. Since then he has been unable to get back into the driver’s seat but was hopeful of racing in the Indian GP. With this sponsorship Narain’s hopes come true.

On Hero Motors Ltd’s decision to sponsor him for the Indian GP, Narain Karthikeyan said,

“Hero is one of the oldest and most prominent Indian brands and I am pleased to be associated with it. Today is a very important step in the right direction for motor sports in the country. The sport has come a long way since the day I started racing. Viewership has gone up a lot, and corporate support is now more forthcoming. Formula One is in its nascent stage in India with great potential waiting to be explored. I hope with the support from Hero Motors we will be able to scale new milestones in the times to come”.

The Indian Grand Prix is exactly 54 days away. With the FIA approving the Buddh International Circuit yesterday ( 1/9/11), the Grand Prix is all set to showcase the finest talent in auto racing to the Indian fans. Narain’s participation will certainly evoke greater interest from his fans for his first home race. However, it still remains to be seen whether Karun Chandhok will take part in the race for Lotus. It would be a double bonanza for Indian fans if it happens. Let’s wait and watch.