Narain Karthikeyan, India's first and so far only Formula One driver, has been appointed racing brand ambassador for MRF Tyres.

Speaking on the appointment, Mammen said: “It is an honour for me to represent MRF Tyres and join their efforts to take motor racing to the next level in India.”

Karthikeyan makes the move to MRF Tyres from JK Tyre, whom he had been with since the beginning of his career.

Sanjay Sharma, head of motorsport for JK Tyre, commented on the move, saying: “Narain was our prodigy from the time he began racing. Now that he has opted to leave us, we only wish him well and are happy for him.”

JK Tyre played a lead role in enabling Karthikeyan to race overseas through significant financial backing.

Karthikeyan raced 19 times in Formula One for Jordan, as well as serving as a test driver for Williams.