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.