Karun to test with GP2 teams

ABU DHABI - Karun Chandhok will get back behind the wheel of a race car this week here following his first season in the Formula 1 World Championship.

Chandhok will be testing for his former GP2 team Ocean Racing Technology (ORT) and Coloni Motorsport in the final testing days of the 2010 GP2 Season.

With the GP2 series being the closest cars to Formula 1, Karun will look to further shake off the cobwebs and keep his race fitness at its peak level as Formula 1 heads into the off season with negotiations well underway for the 2011 season.

Chandhok commented: “The guys at ORT and Coloni Motorsport are good friends of mine and with both of them having had tough seasons and underachieving to an extent, they called on my help to get more of an experienced view.”

“The objective isnt so much about chasing laptimes but more about evaluating things that could be carried over into 2011 for them.

The GP2 series has been the breeding ground for almost half the field in Formula 1 today and with the testing limitations for all teams, Chandhok will use this test to not only get more miles under his belt but also lend his expertise towards the development of the two teams and their cars.

Chandhok added: For me, its a good way to learn another new Formula 1 circuit ahead of the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship and a chance to further knock off the rust after having tested the new GP2 car and Pirelli tyres at Paul Ricard in France last week.

Its important to keep driving as much as possible and be race ready for the new season in 2011.

Indias youngest ever F1 driver reiterated his commitment to Formula 1 next year and is positive that the pieces of the puzzle would fit in place before the year end.

My goal for next year as Ive said before is still firmly to be in Formula 1 and negotiations for a drive in the 2011 F1 World Championship are progressing in the right way, so hopefully well have a final program in place before the F1 world shuts for Christmas. said Chandhok.