Narain Karthikeyan to make F1 return with Hispania
By ANISaturday, January 8, 2011
LONDON - Narain Karthikeyan is set to return to Formula 1 after a six-year absence to race for the Hispania team.
Karthikeyan, who became the first Indian F1 driver when racing for Jordan in 2005, announced the move on Thursday before the team confirmed it on Friday.
The 33-year-old’s return comes as India prepares to host its inaugural Grand Prix in New Delhi in October.
“It’s been a while in the making, but I am extremely happy to be racing again in Formula 1 in 2011,” CNN quoted Karthikeyan, as saying.
“I am confident that I still have the pace, the fitness and the will to succeed in Formula 1. I’m also looking forward to racing at the first ever Indian Grand Prix in October,” he added.
Karthikeyan was also a test driver for Williams in 2006 and 2007.
Meanwhile, Hispania team principal and managing director Colin Kolles hopes that Karthikeyan’s previous experience can help his team.
“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 as reserve driver for Williams,” Kolles said.
“I am sure that his experience and speed will be very useful for the team during the season,” he added.
Hispania had finished 11th out of 12 teams in their first season in 2010. (ANI)
