Vicky Chandhok, father to Karun, says he is hopeful that his son will get the opportunity to compete in two races this season, including the inaugural Indian GP, as well as a possible race seat with Team Lotus in 2012.
Karun made his debut in Formula One with Hispania during their rookie year. Whilst it was a shaky start, the 27-year-old managed to outpace his team-mate, Bruno Senna, before being dropped after the British GP due to funds.
Vicky said he was grateful to HRT for giving Karun his debut in F1, but he admitted it was time to move onto a bigger and better team.
“I’m grateful and will always remain thankful to HRT for giving Karun a break in F1,” he told F1Adda. “But it was time to move on to a better team.”
Karun joined Team Lotus at the start of the 2011 season as third driver after failing to find a permanent race seat. His father is confident that he will get the opportunity to race the T128 this year as well as securing a race seat with them in 2012.
“We haven’t got any confirmation [that he will drive in India] but we are hopeful that Karun will drive for Team Lotus as a regular driver for at-least two races including the Indian GP.
“The final decision will be taken by the team,” confirmed Vicky.
“He is hopeful to drive for them in 2012. Tony Fernandes has openly stated that Karun’s engineering feedback and analysis is phenomenal. They are assets for each other.
“We are looking for long-term relationship with Team Lotus.”
