WORLD motorcycling champion Wayne Rainey plans to start a 125 cc Grand Prix team with an Asian in the fold.
Rainey, the 500 cc champion, believes Asian riders have the potential to reach the pinnacle of motorcycling, if given the opportunities.
''I may have another three or four years of racing myself, but I want to start a 125 cc Grand Prix team possibly this season or the next,'' said the 32-year-old American, who opened the Motor-Racing Power Encounter Exhibition at Pacific Place yesterday.
''I want to have my own team when I retire and hopefully I can have an Asian rider and an American rider.
''There are just not enough opportunities for Asians to excel in the sport, but I can pass on my experience and it's quite possible we can have an Asian world champion in the future.'' Rainey is looking forward to the day China opens its doors to motor racing and said he would jump at the opportunity to race in the mainland.
The Marlboro-Yamaha team rider is confident of winning his fourth consecutive 500 cc championship, which kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix at Eastern Creek on March 28.
