Chandhok will not participate in the Indian GP

Karun Chandhok will drive this weekend in India, but only during the first free practice session. Due to contractual reasons and the few kilometers covered with the T128 in dry conditions, the team has decided not to let him participate in the first Indian Grand Prix in Formula 1 history.

From a team perspective, the objective is to maintain the level of performance seen in the last two races, and even though I am sure there are many fans in India hoping to see Karun (Chandhok) race for us on Sunday, we had to make the best decision for the team, explains Fernandes.

«Even if all the emotional reasons for letting him race were justified, we were aware that the few kilometers he drove in this single-seater this year, partly due to the conditions he faced during the test sessions where he drove, did not give him the best preparation for this race, so we made the tough decision not to let him race this weekend, » added the team boss of Team Lotus.

Karun Chandhok, for his part, admitted that he was disappointed not to be able to participate in his first national Grand Prix. However, he understands the team’s decision and knows that the decision made is the best for the team.

«I really look forward to being able to drive on the brand new Buddh International Circuit during the first practice session in front of my audience, and even though I’m disappointed not to be able to race on Sunday, I accept the team’s decision to opt for the experience and talent of Jarno (Trulli) and Heikki (Kovalainen), » said Karun Chandhok.

« It’s a team that is still young, that continues to develop, and I know they need to do their best to secure their future in this sport – sometimes difficult decisions have to be made, and in this case, it must have been a tough choice, but I understand it’s not against me, » added the Indian driver.