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Bangalore, Aug 31 (IANS):
After months of uncertainty following his withdrawal from Indy Lights series in the United States, Armaan Ebrahim has signed up for the World GT1 Championship representing Team India and will drive for the Spanish team Sun Red Engineering.
According to a press release from his backers, JK Tyre, the 23-year old Chennai-based Ebrahim is set to make his debut at the Moscow Raceway in Russia where the eighth round of the series will be held Sep 1-2, followed by Nurburgring in Germany (Sep 22-23) and Buddh International Circuit, India (Dec 1-2).
The GT1 series features World’s leading luxury sports car brands, including Aston Martin DBRS9, Audi R8, BMW Z4, Ferrari 458, Ford GT, Lamborghini Gallardo, McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes SLS and Porsche 997 GT3 R.
The championship comprises of 20 races spread over 10 events. Each GT1 race runs for 60 minutes and each car must perform a mid-race pit-stop to change tyres and drivers.
The last round of the championship that was launched in 2010 is scheduled to take place at Greater Noida’s Buddh International Circuit on Dec 2.
Ebrahim said: “I would like to thank my JK Tyre who have done a lot of work in putting this together thus giving me the opportunity to drive for Team India in a World Championship and most importantly in my own country.
“I will have to get used to the GT cars as I have raced in Formula cars all my life. The test in Barcelona last month was a satisfying experience. I’m very happy that I’m going to be in the elite company of the best drivers in the world.”
Sanjay Sharma, motorsport head of JK Tyre and Industries Ltd. said: “We hope that this move helps Armaan consolidate his next career move in the world of motor racing. It will be a dream-come-true for a youngster to be finally racing in India in front of his family and supporters.”
Team principal Joan Orus said: “We are delighted to have finalised a contract with Armaan to drive for our team in the last three rounds which will hopefully lead to a full year’s contract in 2013.”
