Chandhok ready to remain reserve driver in 2012
Karun Chandhok has few options to be a full-time F1 driver in 2012 and might therefore settle for a role as a third driver.
Karun Chandhok began his F1 career in 2010 with the HRT team. He was not retained in 2011 and bounced back with Team Lotus as a test and reserve driver. The Indian driver, who will turn 28 at the beginning of 2012, hopes to secure a full-time seat for the next season, even though he knows it will be difficult.
If he fails to find a seat for 2012, Chandhok is ready to continue as a test and reserve driver for another year, probably still with the Caterham F1 team (formerly Team Lotus).
«I have mentally prepared myself to continue being a test driver for another year. For the moment, most teams have announced their drivers for the 2012 season. There are only two spots left – one at Williams and the other at HRT. So the situation is tough, but I am ready to work hard, » Chandhok told The Times of India.
During his debut in 2010 with HRT, Chandhok didn’t race in all the Grand Prix due to lack of budget, and it’s still this financial aspect that is lacking for the Indian driver. In Formula 1, talent is no longer enough, and a driver needs to bring money to a team in order to drive, and that’s Karun Chandhok’s problem.
« From now on, F1 teams are also looking for drivers who can bring them money through sponsors. So it is certain that it is a difficult situation, » added the Indian driver who is participating in the brand new i1 Series championship, aimed at promoting motorsport in India.
