Lotus’ driver Karun Chandhok will have to wait for Indian Grand Prix debut – Formula 1 news
Karun Chandhok will not be a part of the race in the first Indian Grand Prix event.
Lotus confirmed to Espnf1.com that it will be keeping the same line-up for the event this weekend.
Narain Karthikeyan was and so far the only Indian driver to have been confirmed for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. Chandhok was hoping to join Karthikeyan by replacing Jarno Trulli. However, Lotus announced that they will be keeping their race drivers
as they bid to secure a 10th place finish in the constructors’ championship.
Recently, Chandhok had mentioned how he keeps on training day in day out keeping himself ready for any race, just like in Germany he was told a day prior to the race and he was up for it. He also mentioned how badly he wanted to race in India, and had been
in talks with team principal Tony Fernandes, and said that he was showing positive vibe for his participation in the event. Chandhok though said that he realises that it is a team decision and he is willing to wait for his time and seat.
The announcement may have brought some disappointment to Chandhok but he realises the team plans are more important.
“I am very excited about driving at the new Buddh International Circuit in FP1 in front of my home crowd and while I am obviously disappointed that I won't have the chance to race on Sunday, I accept the team's decision,” Chandhok said.
“This is a team that is still young, still growing, and I know that they have to do their best to secure their future in the sport - sometimes the hard decisions have to be made, and in this case it must have been a very difficult choice, but I understand
that this isn't about me,” he said.
The Indian-born driver is still going to be driving on Friday at the practice run and is looking forward to his participation. He also said that he has grown as a driver on the track and off it, and will be available for his team whenever required of him.
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