Narain Karthikeyan has played down increasing rumours he could be set to return to formula one in 2011.<\/p>\n
Before Karun Chandhok made his debut in 2010, 33-year-old Karthikeyan was India’s first grand prix driver, contesting the full 2005 season with Jordan.<\/p>\n
The Silverstone based team is now headed by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya and called Force India, and is yet to officially confirm a single driver for next season.<\/p>\n
It was believed that Adrian Sutil, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg were vying for the two race seats, but Karthikeyan – reportedly with $8 million in sponsorship to offer – is now also regarded as a credible candidate.<\/p>\n
Karthikeyan has recently established a new career in America’s premier NASCAR motor racing scene, but Indian media reports say he tested in Force India’s driver simulator after the Abu Dhabi season finale last month.<\/p>\n
“I did go for a simulator test but that’s all that happened,” he told the press.<\/p>\n
“I’m not willing to comment on what happened during and after the tests.\u00a0 I think you should talk to (Vijay) Mallya about the results and my performance,” added Karthikeyan.<\/p>\n
His hopes may have been bolstered by the fact that, next October, India will host its first ever grand prix.<\/p>\n
“I’m looking forward to it.\u00a0 Every driver would like to be in the inaugural race,” Karthikeyan admitted.<\/p>\n
But he admitted that turning his focus away from NASCAR to return to F1 next year would be “a risk”.<\/p>\n
“I see myself being in this (NASCAR) for some time,” revealed Karthikeyan.\u00a0 “Getting out of America and then getting back in is not easy.”<\/p>\n
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