Narain Karthikeyan is hoping a good showing in the World Series races, beginning next month, will earn him a ticket to the Formula-1 circuit.

The fastest Indian on wheels, who was named Brand Ambassador of Bharat Petroleum and their product Speed, told reporters, "I have been trying to get into the Formula-1 circuit since the last three years and I am confident that I will make it. But as of now I will be concentrating more on the World Series."

Asked about his one-year contract with Bharat Petroleum, Karthikeyan replied: "It is always good to have different people sponsoring you when trying to break into the F1 circuit. I only hope I can live up to their expectations by not only performing well at the World Series but also becoming the first Indian driver in F1."

Talking about the popularity of motorsport in India, Karthikeyan said, "It will help if someone can makes it to F1.

"The sport gets a big boost and would become more popular among the masses. So an Indian in F1 will only help the sport to become that much more popular."

S Radhakrishnan, Bharat Petroleum director (marketing) said: "We (Speed) are happy to announce a privileged association with a personality that has given the country a blaze of glory -- the 'fastest Indian in the world' Karthikeyan.

"He emboldens passion and performance just like Speed, and symbolizes the most phenomenal growth ever achieved by an Indian in the world of motorsport," he added.

Photograph: JEWELLA C MIRANDA