Narain Karthikeyan to drive for HRT in upcoming F1 season

Indian racing enthusiasts and F1 fans have another reason to rejoice. The fastest Indian in the world, Narain Karthikeyan, has been confirmed as HRT F1 team’s second driver alongside Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa.

This will be Narain’s second successive F1 season with the Spanish team. Karthikeyan started eight races for HRT last season, including the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in October. He was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo at the British Grand Prix and failed to win back the driving seat for the rest of the season, his home race being the sole exception.

Ricciardo secured a spot at Toro Rosso for the 2012 season, paving way for the 35-year old Indian to book a place ahead of a brand-new F1 season which kickstarts with the Australian Grand Prix in March.

With the second Indian Grand Prix scheduled in October, F1 fans in India can expect a prominent Indian presence with Narain Karthikeyan and Vijay Mallya owned Force India ready to fly high in their nation’s colors and make their country proud.

Narain Karthikeyan on his appointment: “It has taken a lot of hard work to make this happen but I am absolutely elated to feature on the 2012 grid with HRT F1 Team. I was pleased with our strong performance at the Indian Grand Prix, in front of my passionate home fans and I look forward to building on this result in 2012.

I have been training hard since the end of 2011, ensuring I was ready for the rigours of F1 if an opportunity arose. I am delighted to have signed with HRT F1 Team. With the new management, Pedro, and the team, there is definite potential for progress. We need to understand that F1 is new to India, we hosted our first race only last year which was a resounding success.

To build on that momentum, an Indian driver will certainly keep the interest engaged throughout the season. I am proud to secure an opportunity to forge a stronger connection between India and Formula 1 once again”.

Narain Karthikeyan at the Indian Grand Prix last year

Luis Pérez-Sala, who recently replaced Colin Kolles as the team principal, seemed pleased with the decision: “I am pleased to count with Narain for this season, as he will contribute continuity and stability. He is a quick, intuitive and secure driver who met his expectations despite a lack of continuity last year. Of the eight Grands Prix he contested in 2011, he only failed to finish on one occasion and had a great performance in the last race he took part in.

I’m sure that the fact that he will continue to work and drive on a regular basis will help him take a step forward this season. And if he advances, so does the team. This is a year in which you could say that the team starts from scratch and everyone’s input will be fundamental”.