LAHORE Adnan Sarwar has become the first Pakistani to be selected for the Asian Formula Racing Championship 2009.

'Current champions, Asian Racing Team has extended the offer of a full time racing seat for the season to me and I am delighted to be the first Pakistani to compete at this level, said the Lahore based Adnan while talking to APP.

The series of seven races will be held in China and Malaysia on Formula One race circuits using 2.0 liter Formula Renault race cars. 'Formula Renault series has previously helped drivers like Kimi Raikkonen and Phillipe Massa in their Formula One careers,' said the Bank Alfalah supported driver who has the distinction of representing the country in the Indian Formula Racing Championship in 2008 and is the first Pakistani to test for the A1 GP team Pakistan.

Adnan trained as a doctor, but his main interests were motor sports and music. He first drove for XtremeVelcoity Racing, a Pakistani team competing in the Nivea for Men 24 hours of Dubai 2006/07. He took part in two rounds, helping the team to 13th out of 17th in the first round and 14th out of 20th in the second. Adnan then attended the Asian Racing Team Formula Renault Racing School. He was given the opportunity to test drive for A1 Team Pakistan at the Zhuhai International Circuit, China in 2007.

Adnan participated in the first Pakistan National Karting Championship, which he helped organise, winning the final round. With his success he was offered a drive in the Formula Rolon racing series in India after a test session during the previous years at the Chennai Racing Track, and drove for Meco Motorsports, becoming to the Pakistani to compete in Formula Rolon.

'I am making rapid progress in motor sports and my selection is a milestone in my career and indeed a proud moment for me,' he said.

Adnan termed the Asian Formula Championship a tough and challenging event in which Asia's best drivers will compete on different tracks. 'I know it is just the beginning of a new era in my career and I will be going there to hopefully put up a good performance to justify my selection.'

He said he had ample practice for the Asian event as he did fairly well on Indian Circuit.

Adnan said his ultimate dream is to compete at the highest level of motor racing which is only possible if he continues to perform at a certain level in Asia.