Formula One - Chandhok ready for new expedition with Red Bull
The Indian Formula One racer Karun Chandhok finally has a reason to be happy and jubilant. He had been chosen by the leading team of the season, Red Bull to be their test driver for the newly built Korean Track. With this project he would become the first Formula One driver to savour the flavour and aroma of the freshly made Yeongam track in Korea next month. Chandhok had been assigned to take part in a demonstration that is to be held on 4th of September.
South Korea, a fast developing country of Asia, is to hold the first ever Grand Prix on its soil from October 22-24. The Korean track is located 400 kilometres south of Seoul, lying near an important port of the country, Mokpo. The design of the track is made by the German designer Hermann Tilke, who is renowned for constructing several other contemporary tracks. The construction work on the track completed this July 2010.
The beautiful circuit is partially a permanent racing track, while other parts of the track are to be used for Formula One and other racing series temporarily. The initial deal between the track management and FIA has been signed for seven years, while another five years contract has been optionally offered, which makes the contract extend up to 2021. The 5.621 km circuit is supposed to bring the Korea Super Prix back later in 2010.
Currently the 26-year-old is excited and thrilled for his new venture, as he is to become a significant figure in the history of the track for being the first racer to drive here. Chandhok had driven with Hispania Racing Team (HRT) for the first ten races of the season, and was replaced by Sakon Yamamoto for the last two races.
The Indian racer is a former Red Bull Junior Team driver, and was contacted again to work with the Austrian team, as all the drivers on Red Bull’s books are currently busy.
"I was happy to fill in," Chandhok exclaimed, as he talked to the Formula One official website after the announcement was made.
"It'll be a real honour to be one of the first people to drive around the new Korean circuit. The layout looks quite fun on paper, and I look forward to driving a winning team’s car there next weekend,” he expressed his joy.
On the memorable occasion of the first track drive, Chandhok’s Red Bull show car would be accompanied by several other drivers and hosts of machinery-makers that would be representing other junior series.
Currently the Asian driver stands at twentieth place in the Drivers’ Charts; he has not been able to earn a single point all through the season.
This year is a very important for the racer, as his home place India is to hold its debut next year. Much hype has already been created in the country, as there is already an Indian team in Formula One squad, Force India owned by one of the biggest businessman of the country, Dr. Vijay Malaya. Chandhok, who is only the second Indian racer in the Formula One is hoped to play a very important role in the inaugural of Grand Prix India, as he could pull a lot of countrymen for the new sport in the country.
Now this venture of the racer with Red Bull had brought the player back in news, as he was almost out of sight and was not racing with his team for the last two rounds of the season.
The Chennai-born racer, who has already grabbed victory at Asian Formula Renault V6 championship, including seven-race wins and glorious nine-pole positions in the year 2006, is now ready to have a great experience with his old team.
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