Sponsored by local firm The Pizza Company, the promising young racing driver was given a chance to compete against international drivers in the seven racing series, which will be held in five countries in Asia - China (Beijing and Shanghai), Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand.

Grunwell, 17, said he is delighted to represent Thailand in the world-class competition and his only objective is to win.

"My goal is first to win the Formula BMW Asia championship. This is my focal point now. In the end I want to be a professional racing driver and earn my living doing so," said the highly-rated driver, who was awarded a US$50,000 Formula BMW Scholarship in January.

"It would be great to become a Formula 1 driver, but there are lots of opportunities to be explored first driving in other series and other countries. I have climbed through the karting ranks in Thailand, drove Minis and concept cars. Now I am going to compete in Asia in the FBMW series. It is a great way to promote Thailand."

Asked why an Englishman wants to race under the Thai flag, the young Grunwell said it was because of his love of Thailand, which he always feels is his homeland.

"I was born in Holland and when I was six weeks old my family moved to Singapore for one year. After that we moved to Thailand and we have been here ever since.

"I love Thailand and I feel it is my home country. I also like going to Holland, my mother's country, and England, but I feel more at home in Thailand. Thai food is my favourite - the spicier the better. I enjoy all the different flavours of Thai food and like rice much better than potatoes."

The first event awaiting him is the Malaysian Grand Prix on Saturday, while the Thailand races will be held at the Bira International Circuit in Pattaya in September and Grunwell believes it will be a good first step for all Thai drivers in the world challenge.

"It is an excellent opportunity for Thai-based drivers to make it abroad since the races are not only shown in Thailand, but are broadcast world-wide," he added.

Montreechai Lumyongsatian

The Nation