Narain Karthikeyan will drive for HRT in the first Indian Grand Prix – Formula 1 news
Tonio Liuzzi is going to make way for Narain Karthikeyan for the one off race in India.
Hispania Racing Team announced that Karthikeyan will be returning to India for the race to drive in front of his home crowd.
Karthikeyan will be bringing added sponsorship through Tata to the team, and at the moment he is confirmed to take part in the race.
Initially, it was planned for Daniel Ricciardo to step aside, but HRT revealed that it will be Liuzzi to stand down for the race.
Team principal, Colin Kolles said that Karthikeyan who is the first Indian driver in F1 history, and the sponsorship with Tata has given the team a home feeling.
He also mentioned that the Indian driver is a talented driver and the HRT is proud to have him onboard for the 2011 Indian Grand Prix. He will be driving alongside Daniel Ricciardo.
Kolles praised Tonio Liuzzi for being so professional and positive attitude for the good of the team by stepping aside to make way for Karthikeyan, especially after the positive performance display in Korea.
Karthikeyan has already checked out the racetrack and seems to be giving a positive feedback, so HRT is definitely looking forward to the race.
“It is going to be one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar. There are points at which, if you're in an F1 car, you will see nothing but the sky. The layout itself is going to put tremendous energy through the tyres and the strategy will play
a key role in the final result.”
“For sure I'll race hard and try to get a good result for myself and the team. I would like to express my gratitude towards Tata Group and the rest of sponsors for their continued support and belief throughout my career.”
Karthikeyan went on to say that he is excited for the race in front of his home crowd, and termed the Grand Prix as a once in a lifetime experience.
Apart from that, he added that it is going to be a really successful event in India and that he is sure the race will help the promotion of the sport in the region.
The India race will begin from Friday, October 30, 2011.
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