Narain Karthikeyan returns to Formula 1
Narain Karthikeyan became the first-ever Indian driver in 2005 to take part in a full Formula 1 season as he drove for Team Jordan back then. Karun Chandhok joined Hispania Racing Team in 2010 and became the second Indian driver to step in to the sport.
Since India is expected to host its first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2011, many believe that Narain was trying his best to return to the sport and take part in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.
It seems that his wish came true as HRT have revealed that Narain Karthikeyan has now signed with the team for one year as their race driver. This means that the team might have two Indian drivers by its side but it has not been confirmed yet since Karun
Chandhok’s seat is still up for the grabs.
“I am confident that I have the pace, the fitness and the will to succeed in Formula One. I'm looking forward to racing for HRT, and to working again with [team principal] Colin Kolles. We have a long standing and excellent working relationship together,”
said Karthikeyan.
The Indian driver became the test driver for Williams in 2006 and 2007 before his departure from Jordan. Since he is more experienced now, he knows how it is to be in the Formula 1.
“I have worked really hard to come back to F1 and it will be a dream come true to race in the first ever Indian Grand Prix in front of my fellow Indians. I hope that they will spur me on with their blessings and good wishes,” he added.
The team is happy with its decision and Colin Kolles believes that Karthikeyan has the pace to compete against the top running drivers especially after he spent the 2009 season racing for his team in Le Mans Series.
“It is a great pleasure for us to have signed Narain Karthikeyan as our race driver for 2011. I have known Narain for a long time and he can revert to the experiences he gained when he was competing for Jordan Grand Prix and being test and reserve driver
for Williams F1,” said Colin.
It would be interesting to see Narain back in the Formula 1 and Indian fans might be hoping that the team keeps Karun Chandhok as well in order to have an “All Indian” team in the sport.
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