I am now ready for F1: Narain

Delighted to have finished his second Formula 1 race in a row, Narain Karthikeyan, who had a 11th position in the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, said his "achievement" would stand him in good stead for the coming races of the season.

"I am so pleased. It is quite an achievement twice in a row. Above all I am remarkably fresh. The intensive training in Malaysia and the special diet programme paid off," Karthikeyan said after a creditable performance at the Sepang International Circuit.

"I am now ready for the third GP after two full race distances behind the wheel."

The 28-year-old Indian will depart tonight for Bahrain, the venue of the next F1 race on April 2.

A gala welcome awaits the Indian ace at the oil-rich Gulf kingdom. Narain has received a special invitation from the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Shaikh Salman bin Hamed al Khalifa.

"Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammad Al Khalifa, Minister for Sports and Chairman of Bahrain racing circuit, has passed me the invitation," Karthikeyan said.

Karthikeyan's first visit to Bahrain will beging with an exclusive dinner hosted by the Minister who has invited about 200 guests. Also present on the occasion will be Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra.

Karthikeyan will also visit some of the schools of the 40,000-odd Indian community.

"I hope to share with them my experience of the first two F1 races," he said.

"I also understand that the Bahrain International Circuit has undergone a number of changes."