Christo Remains Confident Despite Economic Climate

Riki “Christo” Christodoulou has vowed to graduate up the motor racing ladder despite the economic downturn.

The Sutton Coldfield youngster is working hard towards progressing in to either the Formula Three or World Series by Renault FR3.5 category after two seasons in Formula Renault UK.

“I only had about three days off over Christmas and the New Year,” confirmed Riki. “I’ve been writing and circulating sponsorship proposals, setting up and having meetings – it has been non-stop but that’s the way it has to be – especially in today’s financial climate.

“Funding is obviously harder to come by with many companies cutting back, especially when it comes to sports sponsorship, but all I can do is to remain totally focused and continue to work hard so that it enables me to move on.”

“Christo” took time out to contest the BP Ultimate Celebrity Karting Challenge at the recent Autosport International Show staged at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham (9 Jan).

Riki, who finished sixth – his first full season of racing a single-seater – in the 2007 Formula Renault UK series and fifth last year, was a member of a five-man team that proved victorious in the two-hour race.

A host of internationally acclaimed drivers were competing including record eight-time Le Mans 24 Hour race winner Tom Kristensen plus multi-Le Mans winners Emanuele Pirro and Frank Biela but Riki, aged 20, underlined his potential to beat the ultra-experienced international drivers.
Riki “Christo” Christodoulou has vowed to graduate up the motor racing ladder despite the economic downturn.

The Sutton Coldfield youngster is working hard towards progressing in to either the Formula Three or World Series by Renault FR3.5 category after two seasons in Formula Renault UK.

“I only had about three days off over Christmas and the New Year,” confirmed Riki. “I’ve been writing and circulating sponsorship proposals, setting up and having meetings – it has been non-stop but that’s the way it has to be – especially in today’s financial climate.

“Funding is obviously harder to come by with many companies cutting back, especially when it comes to sports sponsorship, but all I can do is to remain totally focused and continue to work hard so that it enables me to move on.”

“Christo” took time out to contest the BP Ultimate Celebrity Karting Challenge at the recent Autosport International Show staged at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham (9 Jan).

Riki, who finished sixth – his first full season of racing a single-seater – in the 2007 Formula Renault UK series and fifth last year, was a member of a five-man team that proved victorious in the two-hour race.

A host of internationally acclaimed drivers were competing including record eight-time Le Mans 24 Hour race winner Tom Kristensen plus multi-Le Mans winners Emanuele Pirro and Frank Biela but Riki, aged 20, underlined his potential to beat the ultra-experienced international drivers.

“We won the kart event by two laps and thoroughly enjoyed it – especially racing against established the stars-studded line-up,” reflected Riki who had worldwide success during his 10-year karting career.

“Although the race was for charity, any motor racing driver will tell you that whatever the event, the competitive nature kicks in and there is only one position everyone is aiming for. I enjoyed a lot of success in karts and it was great to have a blast in one again.”

Riki now refocuses on the forthcoming 2009 season which roars in to action in April or May depending on the championship he ultimately contests.

“Ideally I want to get everything agreed early next month – that way I can concentrate on the year ahead,” he concluded.

“We won the kart event by two laps and thoroughly enjoyed it – especially racing against established the stars-studded line-up,” reflected Riki who had worldwide success during his 10-year karting career.

“Although the race was for charity, any motor racing driver will tell you that whatever the event, the competitive nature kicks in and there is only one position everyone is aiming for. I enjoyed a lot of success in karts and it was great to have a blast in one again.”

Riki now refocuses on the forthcoming 2009 season which roars in to action in April or May depending on the championship he ultimately contests.

“Ideally I want to get everything agreed early next month – that way I can concentrate on the year ahead,” he concluded.

Category: News