NOVEMBER 14, 2000

Karthikeyan set to shakedown Jaguar next month

NARAIN KATHIKEYAN is set to become the first Indian to drive a Formula One car as he prepares to shakedown a Jaguar Racing R1B development chassis at Silverstone next month.

NARAIN KATHIKEYAN is set to become the first Indian to drive a Formula One car as he prepares to shakedown a Jaguar Racing R1B development chassis at Silverstone next month.

The 23-year-old was promised a Formula One test when he signed for the team's affiliated British Formula Three team Stewart Racing.

His Stewart Racing team-mate from last season, Tomas Scheckter, has already been confirmed as Jaguar's test driver for 2001 and now it is Karthikeyan's turn to shine.

Karthikeyan will drive a Jaguar Racing car fitted with a Cosworth engine and a revised version of last season's gearbox.

"It will mean a lot to me," said Karthikeyan. "I have been waiting for this for a long time and if it definitely happens it will be very good for me and good for my country as I will be the first Indian driver to drive an F1 car. I just hope I can prove myself."