Indonesian driver Ananda quits Formula 3000 circuit

Indonesian driver Ananda quits Formula 3000 circuit

JAKARTA (JP): Young Indonesian driver Ananda Mikola must bury
his Formula One dreams due to the termination of his contract
with the Formula 3000 Astromega team this month, ended because of
financial problems and declining performance.

On its official web site www.team-astromega.com, the Belgian-
based team announced that British driver Dino Morelli will
replace Ananda in the number 5 car as of this Saturday at the A1-
Ring circuit in Austria.

Ananda's father, Tinton Suprapto, expressed disappointment
over the decision in a press conference on Thursday. He said it
was a major blow for Ananda because the chance only came once.

"F3000 is not a sure way to enter the Formula One Grand Prix.
At the end of the day, money plays the main role," he said.

Tinton said that Ananda Mikola Management could no longer pay
for his contract with Astromega. The 21-year-old has a two year
deal with the team, covering the 2001-2002 season, worth US$1.3
million per year.

"Astromega has offered me some time after the payment due date
expires, but I refused because I'm not sure that I can raise the
money from sponsors here so soon," said Tinton.

Tinton cited recent reports which said that Ananda spent Rp 15
billion (US$1.4 million) from the Otomotif Indonesia Foundation
(YOI) to race in F3000 as a stumbling block for him to get the
financial support.

"I can't force the sponsors to provide money to Ananda. We
don't have a written deal as everything was agreed to verbally.
Moreover, the atmosphere has not been supportive following the
reports. I don't want my life to be in the headlines and create
controversy," he said.

After years of racing, Ananda has accumulated support from
three Indonesian presidents -- Soeharto, B.J. Habibie and the
incumbent Abdurrahman Wahid -- and several ministers, who have
helped pave the way for him to raise sponsorship funds from state
enterprises and private institutions.

Ananda finished last in the F3000's third leg at Barcelona,
Spain, on April 28. He did not finish in the second leg at Imola,
Italy, due to an accident in the final lap. During the first leg
at Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 31, he came
in 17th after starting the race in 25th position.

Ananda is scheduled to have a two-month break after the
contract is finished and is likely to compete in the Cart Fed Ex
Championship Series.

Tinton said Ananda would try to join one of seven teams
competing at the event.

"Entry to the Cart Series is not too expensive. One series
costs about $100,000, but it's worth it because the championships
are broadcast worldwide," Tinton said.

Ananda's mother, Mintje, said she was very upset by the
reports, which she claimed affected her son's fighting spirit.

"I'm very disappointed and sad. I know his path to F3000 and
his wishes. It doesn't mean that I can't accept criticism. The
news report came only two days before Ananda raced in Interlagos.
As his parents, we never urged him to follow his father's career,
but he developed the preference for racing.

"I told him that it was another trial from God to strengthen
him in the future," Mintje said. (ivy)