Durban, Feb 22: Narain Karthikeyan will lead A1 Team India in the A1GP Series' only street race here on February 24.

A1 Team India finished 15th and ninth respectively last year in the Sprint and Feature races here. Karthikeyan is familiar with the track, which is considered to be one of the most difficult circuits of the season. ''I look forward to the street race in Durban. It's the 7th race of the season and the spirit is getting more competitive with every race,'' Karthikeyan said. ''I hope to pick up more points and move further up the grid in Durban.'' Karthikeyan will be joined by rookie driver Parthiv Sureshwaren who came out second in this weekend's pre-race driver activity.

''I had a good time participating against the local lifesaving and rugby teams. I played alongside A1 Team Italy in the relay and we came second,'' Sureshwaren said. ''I look forward to the practice session tomorrow as this is a track I have never driven on before - street races are generally challenging yet exciting.'' A1 Team India now has a total of 28 points - standing 12th in the Championship.


UNI