Narain Karthikeyan has revealed that he will be racing for the Hispania outfit during the 2011 season.
He announced the news via his Twitter page, saying: “Back in F1 in 2011. Signed a deal to race for HRT. I’ve always maintained that my time in F1 was not over and now making good on that promise.”
Whilst the team are yet to make an official announcement, the Indian driver, who’s previously competed with Jordan during the 2005 season, shared further information with The Times of India.
“It’s been a while in the making, but I am delighted to be racing again in Formula 1 in 2011. I have always maintained that I have not given up on my desire to return to the top level of motorsport.”
He also revealed that the Tata Group, Indian’s largest privately owned company, had been paramount in making the HRT deal come to fruition – hinting that the group may also be sponsoring him during the season.
“I am confident that I have the pace, the fitness and the will to succeed in Formula 1. I am extremely grateful to the Tata Group, without whose unwavering support this comeback would not have been possible.
“I’m looking forward to racing for HRT and to working again with Dr Colin Kolles. We have a long standing and excellent working relationship together.”
Updated (7th January): The Hispania team have now confirmed the appointment of Karthikeyan with team principal Colin Kolles adding: “It is a great pleasure for us to have signed Narain Karthikeyan as our race driver for the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship.
“I have known Narain for a long time and he can revert to the experiences he gained when he was competing for Jordan Grand Prix and being test and reserve driver for Williams F1. Narain has also been driving in other racing series and running in one of the legendary Audi sports cars in the Le Mans Series.
“I am sure that his experience and speed will be very useful for the team during the season. We are welcoming Narain to our team and we look forward to working closely with him this year.”
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