Ananda eyes coveted Formula One license

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian auto racing talent Ananda Mikola is gunning to obtain the license to drive in Formula One races, his father has said.

Although Tinton Suprapto did not elaborate on the requirements, he said Sunday his 18-year-old son would qualify for the world's most prestigious races if he finished among the top five in the Italian Formula Three circuit.

If Ananda succeeds, he will be the first Indonesian Formula One driver ever.

Ananda came fourth in a race Sunday, the sixth leg of the championship series, to remain in fifth place in the overall standings with 61 points. There are four races left.

"Actually Ananda has achieved his target and if he manages to maintain his performance, he may obtain the license to drive in the Formula One," veteran driver Tinton was quoted as saying in Surabaya by Antara.

Tinton said Italian team Minardi had shown interest in contracting Ananda for the Formula One. Ananda currently dons the RC Motorsport racing suit.

Ananda finished fourth in the Italian Formula Three race at the Misano circuit won by Donny Crevel of the Netherlands on Sunday. The Indonesian clocked 43 minutes and 00.773 seconds to complete 29 laps over a distance of 117,740 kilometers.

Italian drivers Paolo Montini and Maurizzio Mediani were second and third in the race.

Ananda is scheduled to participate in the Dutch Formula Three race at the Zanvoord circuit next week.

He made his first podium finish in his two-year driving career by taking second place in the fifth leg of the Italian Formula Three at Imola two weeks ago. (lnt)