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| August 11, 2005 | Thursday | Rajab 5, 1426 |
Pakistani to compete in A1 Grand Prix
KARACHI, Aug 10: Pakistan will make its presence felt in motor racing for the first time globally when the US-based Pakistani, Nur Ali, makes his international debut in the first-leg of inaugural A1 Grand Prix World Cup of Motorsport which begins in London on Sept 25.
“I am eagerly looking forward to creating history for my beloved country and with the blessings of countrymen back home and moral support from the government, I will strive for the Cup,” a confident Nur Ali who is on holidays here told Dawn on Wednesday.
As many as twenty-five countries with one entry apiece, would vie for top honours in the Grand Prix being run in twelve stages in different countries. It will conclude on March 26 next year at Beijing. Each race will be followed by two-week rest.
According to Noor, the winner of each leg will receive US$1m while the overall champion will be rewarded handsomely.
Nur will enter the competition under the name of A1 Team Pakistan which is headed by London-based Chartered Accountant, Arif Hussain
The 30-year-old Nur who is a certified motor racing driver from Skip Barbar school, Ohio, rated Great Britain, USA, Mexico, Brazil, France and Australia as strong contenders.
A graduate from American University, Washington, Nur had won South West Formula Mazda Regional Championship twice which is a local competition in the US.
Recalling his two meetings with President Pervaiz Musharraf, Nur said the former had encouraged him and promised to extend fullest support.
Referring to the cost of vehicle, he said a racing car with 550 horse-powers which runs 225 miles per hour, costs US$1m.
Nur said he would be leaving for Europe soon where he would undergo practice prior to entering the competition.
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