Vijay Mallya "delighted" on Narain Karthikeyan’s return
The Force India team boss, Vijay Mallya expressed his “delight” over the return of the Indian driver, Narain Karthikeyan on the Formula One track. Mallya insisted that he was really glad to see an Indian driver on the grid and hopes that he will perform
really well next season.
The 2011 Formula One calendar is to hold the first ever Grand Prix on the Indian soil. While the construction work at the Delhi track is underway, the Formula One caravan is also preparing to enter this part of the globe with an Indian team, Force India
and an Indian driver, Karthikeyan. The 33-year-old gave his debut in the sport in 2006 with Jordan, but after an abortive season, the driver was not seen on the track again. However, this Thursday, HRT announced to have signed the driver for one year. Following
the announcement Mallya said that he was happy on his return and actually wanted to sign him with Force India but it "wasn't the right time."
At the end of the 2010 season, it was hoped that due to the Indian Grand Prix lined up next season, Force India will be signing one of the national drivers. However, Mallya explained this morning, "We have spoken to Narain over a period of time about returning
and it just wasn't the right time for us in this stage of our development."
He further proclaimed that the German, Adrian Sutil, will be staying in the team for another season, after having shown some brilliant races last year. Moreover, the Scottish rookie Paul di Resta is expected to take the second seat in the team although the
official confirmation is yet to come from the team.
The Indian conglomerate, Mallya concluded saying, "I'm delighted that Narain is able to make his F1 comeback with HRT and I wish him every success in the coming year. India should be proud that it will be fully represented in its inaugural Grand Prix by
an Indian team and now an Indian driver."
Last year also saw the other Indian driver, Karun Chandhok make his debut in the highest ranking series, under the HRT umbrella. However, after partaking in the initial 10 races, he was replaced by Sakon Yamamoto for not being able to score even a single
point.
Now, Chandhok is trying to lay his hands on any opportunity he can, in order to continue his Formula One career but so far very little hope seems to be present for him.
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