Team for A1 GP being revived

A new seat-holder and a new company to handle the affairs

MUMBAI: The A1 GP Team India is being revived and this time with a new seat-holder and professional motorsport company at the helm of affairs. What’s more, the tri-coloured 600kg machine would be zooming around the Zandvoort Circuit Park in the Netherlands this Sunday (that is if certain visa hitches are solved).

Seventeen-year-old Armaan Ebrahim, who drove in the “World Cup of Motorsport” last season as well, will continue to drive for the team.

Yohann Setna, the new seat-holder of the team, said, “With so many countries participating, it is important for India to have a team in A1. It is about national pride.

Even the A1 management stressed that India should be a part of the championships.” He further added: “Armaan is in London trying to get a visa and once he gets it he would be driving in the Netherlands.”

Setna, who was associated with the team last season as well, has also hired a British company Arena Motorsports to take care of the day-to-day handling of the team. “Arena (Motorsports) have been participating in various championships across Europe. Their experience will certainly help,” Setna said optimistically.

Last season, the team did not participate in the last three races — Mexico, USA and China — following certain management hassles and financial crunches.

But this year, Setna expects it to be different. “A couple of sponsors are very keen. I am sure if we produce results, other corporates would too be eager to come in,” he said.

When asked about the costs involved, Setna remained tight-lipped but indicated that the amount is very high.

“It is a very significant amount. Not significant compared to F1, but the number of zeroes are high,” he said.