Friday 30 July 2010

GPUpdate

Realistic Chandhok: Bahrain is a test session

09 March 2010

Karun Chandhok is one of five new drivers on the grid this year and brings India back into the Formula 1 frame, with Narain Karthikeyan having been the country's first representative courtesy of his drive for Jordan in 2005. Despite being unable to hide his delight over signing with Hispania Racing, the 26-year-old remains pragmatic.

Spain's HRT unveiled its first Formula 1 car in Murcia last week

With Karthikeyan having completed a sole season for Eddie Jordan's team - now Force India - half a decade ago, ex GP2 driver Chandhok is thrilled to be representing his country with Madrid-based Hispania, formerly known as Campos Meta.

"It's just an unbelievable feeling!" he told the official F1 website. "I am absolutely thrilled to be able to fulfil a lifelong dream to break into Formula 1. We've been working for so many years for this opportunity and now that we've finally made it; it feels a bit surreal, to be honest - I think it will only fully sink in that I am going to be on the same grid as World Champions like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso when I get to Bahrain."

Following a turbulent start to its F1 journey, José Ramón Carabante's Hispania has been unable to test its car during the off-season.

Chandhok competed in GP2 for Tiago Monteiro's Ocean Racing Technology team in 2009

"I am under no illusions about what we're in for," Chandhok admitted. "At the end of the day, we will be a new team with two rookies (himself and Bruno Senna) and no testing at all, so the first few races will be very hard indeed…the first race will just be like a test session and the first part of the season will be all about getting reliability and mileage."

Despite the uncertainties involved, Karun is sure that accepting the drive was the correct decision. "I believe that you have to take any opportunities life throws at you," the Chennai-born man said firmly. "Of course everyone wants to drive for a top team but if the opportunity isn't there you have to evaluate the options. Undoubtedly, I would rather be racing for HRT than be a test driver somewhere else under the new (test-limiting) regulations."

More news

HRT F1 Team
28 Jul	Senna excited about Budapest
27 Jul	Chandhok to miss Hungary as well
26 Jul	Gearbox and slow puncture hinder Hispania
24 Jul	One of my best laps this year, says Senna
2010 Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix
05 Apr	Lee McKenzie column: 3 down, 16 to go...
23 Mar	Dennis hints at Red Bull fuel problem
19 Mar	Lauda impressed by Schumacher comeback
18 Mar	Massa never doubted physical condition
Karun Chandhok
22 Jul	Chandhok to join BBC for Friday practice
22 Jul	Chandhok impressed by compatriots’ performances
20 Jul	HRT to attend truck driving lessons
19 Jul	Chandhok: Hispania rotating its drivers
Formula 1
30 Jul	Latest F1 photos: Friday at the Hungaroring
30 Jul	GPUpdate TV: Button targets Hungarian podium
30 Jul	Hungarian GP: Full Practice 2 results
30 Jul	Vettel stays fastest on Friday afternoon

Photos

HRT F1 Team

More HRT F1 Team photos
2010 Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix

More 2010 Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix photos
Karun Chandhok

More Karun Chandhok photos
Formula 1

More Formula 1 photos

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