Karun Chandhok reaches F1

Karun Chandhok could not hide his disappointment at the end of last fall, when Force India called on Paul di Resta and JR Hildebrand for the rookie tests in Jerez (December 1-3). The Indian pilot thought he saw his best chance of reaching Formula 1 in the stable of Vijay Mallya, who however made other choices. “ As I have always said, nationality is not the first selection criterion? we are looking for talent and involvement », recalled the boss of Kingfisher.

However, Karun Chandhok?s self-sacrifice paid off since, if not at Force India, the Indian driver found a place in Formula 1, inheriting the last seat available, that of the Dallara of the Hispania Racing team. Team (formerly Campos Meta 1), teaming with Bruno Senna. AUTOhebdo.fr told you on Tuesday, Hispania Racing confirmed this Thursday that it had hired the Indian driver.

« We completed our driver duo with the arrival of Karun Chandhok. We were impressed by Karun's performance in GP2 », Says Colin Kolles, team principal of the team. Formula Champion Renault V6 Asia in 2006, Chandhok then joined the GP2 Series grid, bagging two victories in three seasons and 72 races (GP2 Asia and GP2 Main Series).

The news will particularly please Bernie Ecclestone, who has been campaigning for many months for an Indian driver to join Formula 1, while India is due to host its first F1 Grand Prix in 2011.

« Everything is now in place after an incredible race against time to confirm the team name and I believe we now have a solid basis to move forward in 2010, continues Kolles. Now we have to work together and continue to grow as a team. »