Chandhok says no to F1 team Hispania, Narain yes
By IANSFriday, January 7, 2011
NEW DELHI - India’s Narain Karthkeyan has accepted the offer from the Hispania Racing Team (HRT) to race in the 2011 Formula One season while compatriot Karun Chandhok, who drove for HRT last season, did not renew his contract.
Chandhok, who completed eight out of 10 races in the last season, congratulated Narain on his F1 return, saying it is good that at least one Indian driver will be on view at the inaugural Delhi F1 race.
As for his own reluctance to rejoin HRT, Chandhok said he wanted to switch to a better team.
“Narain’s return is good as Indian F1 fans will see at least one of our own drivers featuring in the inaugural Delhi race,” Chandhok told IANS.
“I had the offer from them (HRT) but I turned it down because it would not have served my purpose in the long run. Racing for the team in the first year made sense, but now I am looking at a team that could fetch me points.”
Asked about his F1 future, Chandhok said: “I have zeroed in on two teams but I wouldn’t like to reveal the names till I finalise the deal, which might come through in a couple of weeks.”
Hispania under team principal Collin Kolles had a forgettable last season as it failed to gain a point and reports of its cash crunch did not help its cause either.
Thursday, Narain announced his comeback to the F1 after five years. He drove for another back of the grid team Jordan in 2005 and in the subsequent two years he was a test driver for Williams.
The F1 season starts in March with the Bahrain Grand Prix and the 18th race will be in New Delhi from October 28-30.
