Ananda seeks sponsorship

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's young car racer, Ananda Mikola, is looking for a sponsorship deal with local companies to support him with racing facilities for practicing.

Ananda told reporters on Wednesday that in the sponsorship deal, he would also help the companies to promote their products.

"I will meet President B.J. Habibie to ask for his support on this matter, because I want to race in the Formula One series," he said.

Ananda, who was driving under the banner of the Edenbridge Racing team, finished eighth in the second leg of the Formula 3000 series at Monza circuit, Italy, on Sunday. He finished first in the official practice but failed in the race after his car crashed into Gabrielle Lancieri's of Sighinotfi Motorsport.

He is scheduled to take part in eleven more stages before he enters the F-1 races in the year 2000. He will compete in the third leg of the Formula 3000 series at the Enna circuit in Sicily, Italy, July 16 to July 18. (ivy)