Chennai, Feb 10 (IANS): The MRF Challenge Formula 2000 series is likely to be expanded to the middle east from next season.

The Renault engine powered single make series is the fastest in Asia and attracted budding talent from across the globe in its inaugural season, which ended here Sunday.

"I would call the first season a good start to what we want to achieve in the future. We could not finish the season in the same calendar year and that is something we want to do in 2013. We are also planning to do a couple of rounds outside India, most probably in the middle east. We need to sort the budget and logistical issues for that," a top MRF official told IANS.

The season finale here saw England's highly rated Jordan King and Josh Hill, son of former Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill, compete against each other and was joined by three female drivers who have raced in GP3 - Vicky Piria, Carmen Jorda and Alice Powell.

The scheduling of the competition this time also helped in drawing the foreigners, most of whom come during the off-season in Europe and America.

The earlier rounds of the MRF Challenge were organised at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, the first one during the Indian Grand Prix in October and the second during December's Festival of Speed.