India’s first Formula One driver —Karthikeyan — will be back in the cockpit of a F1 car for the 2011 season with Spanish team Hispania Racing.
The deal announced on Thursday will see Karthikeyan team-up with his former boss Colin Kolles, who is Hispania’s team principal. Kolles held the same post at Jordan Grand Prix when Karthikeyan made his Formula One debut in 2005.
It came as a surprise to see Karthikeyan join Hispania, who had a torrid time in their first season in 2010. Their car was uncompetitive and outdated. Insufficient finances dogged the team throughout the season and the revolving policy saw them use four drivers. One of them was India’s Karun Chandhok, who was dumped after 10 races as his funds had dried up.
Karthikeyan has always maintained that there is no point in driving an under-performing car. So, it will be interesting to see what package the team will put out when the Formula One season kicks-off on March 13 in Bahrain.
Having said that, Narain might be sailing in the same boat as Chandhok was in 2010 when Hispania was the only team Chandhok could drive for. With most of the teams barring three (Hispania, Force India and Toro Rosso) confirming their two drivers for the 2011 season, Hispania may be the only option left for Karthikeyan.
“It’s been a while in the making but I am delighted to be racing again in Formula One. I have always maintained that I have not given up on my desire to return to the top level of motorsport. I am confident that I have the speed, the fitness and the will to succeed. I’m looking forward to racing for Hispania and to work again with Colin Kolles. We have a long standing and excellent working relationship together,” Karthikeyan said.
With Indian Grand Prix scheduled for October 30, Karthikeyan’s major sponsors Tata’s are backing him to the hilt. According to the reports in the European media, Tata are willing to spend in the region of $10 million. His other sponsors are Speed, Amaron and MRF.
Kolles was excited to reunite with Karthikeyan. “I have known Narain for a long time and he can revert to the experiences he gained when he was competing for Jordan and being a test and reserve driver for Williams F1. I am sure that his experience and speed will be very useful for the team during the season,” said Kolles.
His last stint in 2005 wasn’t a successful one, finishing 18th in the championship. Since then he has been a test driver with Williams F1 in 2006 and 2007.
He drove for Team India in the AI Grand Prix from 2007 to 2009. The 33-year-old has also participated in the Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24-Hour race with Kolles Audi Team. 2010 saw him participating in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in the USA.
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