Indian racers Narain Karthikeyan, Arjun Maini and Naveen Rao will be spearheading Racing Team India’s campaign at the 2021 Asian Le Mans Series in February. They will be eyeing the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in France later in the year.
Racing Team India will create history by becoming the first team of all-Indian drivers to compete globally in the world of racing, according to a press release from the team.
The Asian Le Mans Series will be held at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on February 5-6 and February 19-20, comprises of four races spread over the two race weekends.
The Indian team will drive an ORECA 07 car in the LMP2 class, and have technical support from the Championship-winning Algarve Pro Racing Team.
Padma Shri Awardee and India's first Formula One driver Narain said he was delighted at getting another shot at Le Mans. "I have been dreaming of going back to Le Mans for a few years now. This is probably the most exciting project in my career as a racing driver," Narain said.
"We have a young and fledgeling team and it will no doubt be a big test for us, but I am confident of doing well," he added.
Bangalore-based Arjun Maini said he knows what it takes to do well in a competition like this. "I am glad to be back to racing so soon after the 2020 European Le Mans season, and I do believe that Algarve Pro Racing Team, the defending Asian Le Mans Series champions, gives us the best possible chance of securing an entry to the 24 Hours of Le Mans."
Naveen Rao, who is the reigning 2020 IMSA Prototype Challenge champion said he looks forward to driving as part of Racing Team India. "I'm super excited to be partnering with Narain and Arjun to bring the first-ever Racing Team India to Le Mans! Le Mans has a magical quality and is the dream of many kids to be a part of."
