Karun Chandhok disappointed at not being able to race at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix – Formula 1
Indian driver for Lotus, Karun Chandhok will not be racing this Sunday at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.
Team boss Tony Fernandes had given an indication that he would like to see Chandhok race at the Indian Grand Prix alongside Heikki Kovalainen, but maintained that it is still going to be a team decision and they were yet to decide on the final drivers.
On Tuesday though, Fernandes announced that the team is focused on the 10th place in the constructors’ championship, therefore without risking with a new combination, they will stick with Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen as their drivers for
the Indian Grand Prix.
“From the team perspective the key goal for us this weekend is to maintain the performance levels we saw in the last two races and while I am sure there will be fans in India who want to see Karun race for us on Sunday we had to make the best decision for
the future of the team,” said Fernandes in a team preview.
“While all the emotional reasons for him driving were right we were conscious that the limited running he has had in the car this season, so we have taken the very difficult decision not to run him in the race this weekend,” Fernandes added.
Fernandes further explained that it is imperative that they might secure a tenth place this year so that it can be a launch pad for the team to grow. Even though Chandhok has been performing well and continues to grow as a driver, the team has come to the
conclusion that it may be too much pressure for him given the situation that he will be racing in front of his home crowd, he said.
This is the main reason the team has put its faith in Jarno and Heikki, and are optimistic about the results they will provide at the Buddh International Circuit.
It is unfortunate for Chandhok and he is disappointed for not being able to race in front of his home crowd, but he realises that he is with the Lotus team for the long haul and there will be other opportunities coming his way sooner rather than later.
The first ever Indian Grand Prix begins on Sunday, October 30, 2011.
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