Chandhok still waiting on Team Lotus deal for 2011

Ahead of his test in Team Lotus’ newly launched T128 at Jerez this week, Karun Chandhok insists he is still yet to sign a deal for 2011.

It is expected that the Indian driver, who made his F1 debut with the HRT team last year, will be signed up by Team Lotus as a reserve driver.

It has also been reported that Chandhok needs to bring a specified amount of sponsorship to the Tony Fernandes-led squad and that he might get the chance to race at his inaugural home grand prix in Delhi this October.

“There are lot of ‘ifs’ in it,” confirmed the 27-year-old at the Spanish test circuit.

“Right now I am here to do a test drive in one of the next three days.  The deal is later and the rest comes way later,” Chandhok told the Times of India.

It is believed Chandhok will drive on either Thursday or Friday.  The Jerez test also runs over the weekend.

“It has been months since I last drove an F1 car and I am very excited to be back in the elite club,” he added.

“I am sure I can add value to the team and its development programme.  Tony (Fernandes) and Mike Gascoyne understand the value I can bring to the team as a test driver.

“The final deal is yet to be finalised but things look bright at this point,” said Chandhok.

© RIF | GMM