Ananda returns to European racing tour

Ananda returns to European racing tour

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

After a one-and-a-half year absence due to lack of financial
support, Indonesian motor racer Ananda Mikola is returning to
Europe to compete in the Formula World Series Lights beginning in
two weeks.

Ananda's European tour, which will involve races in all 16
rounds of the series ending November, will be supported
financially by Italian football giant AC Milan, Ananda's manager
Zulkarnaen said during a press conference Friday.

"Ananda's campaign, excluding accommodation, will cost as much
as US$1.2 million. AC Milan has agreed to cover half the amount,
with the other half being our own."

Racing under the RC Motorsport Team banner, Ananda, 23, will
team up with an undisclosed Italian racer. The co-racer would be
revealed in the next two or three days.

"It will be a cousin of (Silvio) Berlusconi (AC Milan owner
and Italian Prime Minister)." Ananda said.

Ananda's last appearance was in the 2001 European F3
Championship, during which he scored five wins before he was
forced to end his campaign due to a lack of sponsorship.

"I'm looking forward to returning. I'm touched by the support
given to me. I will reward their help with victory. I must win
the championship," Ananda said.

At home, Ananda has obtained financial support from the
National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Agum Gumelar, former vice
president Try Sutrisno, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Indonesian Automotive Association (IMI)
chairman Bob R.E. Nasution.

The 2003 Formula World Series Lights, which will kick off at
the Magny Cours circuit in France on May 18, is a stepping stone
to the prestigious Formula One.

"Ananda may have the chance of joining F1 providing he
performs well and US$15 million is available to lure a
constructor to take him," Zulkarnaen said.