Ajith Kumar to drive in F2 European season 2010

A known motor racing enthusiast, Tamil cinema star Ajith Kumar will test his skills in the Formula 2 European season this year, becoming the third Indian after Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaran to join the 2010 F2 grid.

Ajith, as he is known, made his racing debut in 2003 in the Formula BMW Asia series and moved to the UK, where he made a podium finish the following year.

Speaking about his latest venture, Ajith said he is excited about racing in F2.

"I have a great regard for (F2 series Director) Jonathan Palmer -- thanks to him and his efforts Formula Two is the next best thing after F1," Ajith said.

"Coming from India with a population of one billion plus, I want to take motor racing in this country to the common man.

"Right now, it is still a niche sport, largely popular in the urban areas. Given my profile as a film star, I hope to use my status to popularise the sport in India," he said.

Ajith is confident of "achieving success" in this year's FIA Formula Two Championship.

"I am looking forward to more practice runs in the F2 car at Snetterton and Silverstone before the event kicks off. I hope my participation, along with Ebrahim and Sureshwaran, will create the right amount of interest in the sport in India," he said.

F2 Series Director Palmer said he was delighted to welcome Ajith to the F2 circuit.

"To have a well-known Indian film star who has demonstrated such ambition now racing in F2 is very exciting for the championship. The F2 team and other drivers look forward to giving maximum support to help Ajith become increasingly competitive," Palmer said.

Prior to taking to films, Ajith, was a motorbike racer, but had to dedicate more time to films once he changed tracks.