The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : Narain is BPCL's brand ambassador

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 15, 2004

Sport

Sport - Racing : Motor

Narain is BPCL's brand ambassador

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, APRIL 14. Narain Karthikeyan's F-1 racing ambitions received a Rs. 40 lakh boost when oil major, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) nominated him brand ambassador for its high performance petrol product `Speed'. Narain signed a one-year agreement with BPCL here on Wednesday.

It is understood the two parties will consider extending the relationship before the 2005 F-1 racing season. BPCL employs over 100 sportsperson and views Narain's appointment as an important addition to its sports portfolio.

Delighted by his association with BPCL, Narain said: "I' am excited. BPCL and `Speed' will be an addition to my sponsorship consortium and hopefully this relationship will help me break into the big league and become the first Indian in F-1 racing next year. This year I will be concentrating on World Series Racing starting with an event at Belgium on April 24 and 25. I hope for a podium finish to give a good start to the relation ship with `Speed'.''

Narain said that his helmet would have a new design because of many commitments. "But I still have the Indian flag on my helmet. I am very proud of it.''

Earlier addressing the media at the `Meet the Speed Master' conference, BPCL's Director (Marketing) S. Radhakrishnan said: "Today is an auspicious day to announce our relationship with Narain. The idea is to try and build passion and performance of `Speed' with Narain. We hope to see him in F-1 racing next year.''

Mr. Ashok Sinha (Director, Finance) presented a signed `Speed' cap to Narain.

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