A1 Team China driver Congfu Cheng became part of Olympic history after participating in Beijing [Images] Games Torch Relay.

In an honour accorded to very few athletes, let alone racing drivers, Cheng became a torchbearer for the Olympic Flame that set out on its path across Greece on Monday, its final journey before the Beijing Games.

For the driver from Beijing, also known as Franky, it was obviously a very special moment to be involved in the flame's final journey before it is officially handed over to the host city.

"It is my great honour and a dream for all sports people to be nominated as one of the Torchbearers and to carry the flame in Greece," said Cheng.

"Hopefully my appearance in the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay will help promote motorsport in China, and encourage more Chinese people to get involved in this exciting sport. I will try my best to bring more honours to my country in A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. I would like to welcome all the people going to my home town for this great event."

A1 Team India driver Narain Karthikeyan [Images] was elated at the news and congratulated his Chinese counterpart.

"It is an honour for anyone to represent their country on a global stage and this is what the A1GP is all about. With Franky (Cheng) being given the honour of carrying the Olympics [Images] torch represents both recognition, and the importance of what he is doing by racing for the pride of his nation. I wish him all the best," said Narain.

The Olympics will be held from August 8 to 24 and Cheng has double reason to celebrate as he turns 24 on the 15th.

On Monday the flame came to life in Olympia and Cheng's duties were on the first day of its 1528 km journey -- in the hands of 605 Torchbearers. 

After his torch bearing duties, Cheng heads to Shanghai for the penultimate round of the A1GP at the Shanghai International Circuit from April 11 to 13.