SEPANG (Malaysia), Nov 27: Seat holder A1 Team Pakistan, Arif Hussain has said he will soon launch a hunt for selecting a pool of competent drivers in the country for strengthening the base.

“Twenty drivers from across the country have already approached me showing their desire to represent A1 Team Pakistan,” he told Dawn from the sidelines during the third race of this season of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport at the Sepang Circuit the other day.

Unfolding details, he said it is mandatory for a candidate to have an international driving license and the experience to qualify for the selection trials.

Presently, A1 Team Pakistan is dependant on the 22-year-old Adam Khan and doesn’t have a Rookie driver in its ranks.

The London-based Arif, who bought the franchise of A1 Team Pakistan three years back, said he wanted to bring the thrilling motorsport event to Pakistan.

To a question, he said despite a lack of sponsorship he was spending approximately five million US dollars for running the vehicle annually.

“The A1 Team Pakistan which comprises a team of around 15 people including engineers, driver, marketing people, etc travels from one place to another and a big chunk of money is incurred on logistics,” Arif said.

“Pakistan should be represented at the forum where countries from different continents vie for honours,” he added when asked as to what motivated him to choose the field.

Terming it a coincidence, he observed that since the country’s economy had improved, it was time to project a soft image of Pakistan in the sporting events.

He called upon the government and private sector to come forward and lend support to motorsport.

“Participation of A1 Team Pakistan in the motorsport events globally is more important to me than attaining the position of driver,” he concluded.