The rather unexpected return of Karthikeyan ?

[UltimateDanGTR]

Karthikeyan claims he will return to F1 with HRT;

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/01/0...o-f1-with-hrt/

that was out of the blue, and nothing against Narain, but doesn't exactly enhance HRT's respectability if true, considering he's been out of F1 for 5 years........


(on an unrelated note, I've finally started to question mmyself as to why so many of my posts end with ..........)

[DazzlaF1]

Its obviously money related but this begs the question, if they wanted an Indian driver, then what exactly was wrong with Karun Chandhok last year?

Plus I cant recall Narain doing anything of note since the demise of the A1 GP series 2 years ago so he's obviously ring-rusty

[CaptainRaiden]

Yep I was as surprised as you after seeing the news a few minutes ago here: http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/2...with-hrt-deal/

Not that I'm not happy over the prospect of two Indian drivers on the grid next year, but HRT is starting to look more and more like a pay-and-drive go-kart team. Well, let's hope it won't be completely embarrassing like him coming 4th in a 4 car race at Indy GP 2005.

I'll be surprised if he's able to outrace or even outqualify any of the regular F1 drivers next year, even the drivers who have been there or thereabout. Even though he hasn't been spectacular, Chandhok deserves the seat more IMO. He still could end up at Force India though, as I'm guessing lots of Indian companies would love to sponsor an Indian driver driving for an Indian team at the Indian GP.

[jonny hurlock]

imo I would kept Karun Chandhok (more fan friendly than Karthikeyan), anyway good luck for Karthikeyan, better than Yamamoto, yet again anyone could be better than Yamamoto

[Giuseppe F1]

Didnt see this one coming TBH - obviously chasing Indian Rupees what with the upcoming Indian race


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88821

http://en.espnf1.com/hrtf1/motorsport/story/37584.html

[driveace]

Its all about who brings the most cash,not where you come from!

[CNR]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/060120...-lifeline.html

Williams for two years as a test driver.

sportscars with appearances for Kolles Audi in the Le Mans Series

http://suansuantiantian.net/report-h...liams-in-2011/

HRT struggling team has probably become a customer technical support by Williams in 2011.

Last month we reported that the famous British team Williams may be set to supply its hydraulic systems and transmissions to one or more new small sports teams.

[keysersoze]

Just did a check of Narain's racing activities since he left Williams. He's won like 3-4 A1GP races, has had a pole (or two), has raced respectably in a Lemans car, and did 9 races in the truck series (best finish of 13th).

When he was with Jordan, he and Thiagro (sp?) were generally close together in qualifying, around 16th-17th, though he gridded 12th in his very first race, and 11th in the penultimate round in Japan.

I read somewhere that in his first Williams test he outperformed Nico Rosberg.

[555-04Q2]

HRT's not exactly a premium drive seat is it.....money must be involved.

[ShiftingGears]

I wonder if this squanders Chandhok's chances at driving at the Indian Grand Prix.