New Delhi, Sep 2 (IANS) Hispania driver Narain Karthikeyan is ‘trying’ to get a seat in one of the races leading up to the inaugural Formula One (F1) Indian Grand Prix where he is certain to compete in front of the home fans.
Karthikeyan was abruptly replaced by rookie driver Danniel Ricciardo in the Hispania Team after the first eight races of the season. Though he is all set to feature in the home race at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida from Oct 28-30, the Coimbatore-based driver is likely sit out for the rounds beyond that.
The 34-year-old, however, said that he is in talks with his team for getting a shot in any of the three races to take place in Singapore (Sep 23-25), Japan (Oct 7-9) and South Korea (Oct 14-16).
‘I am trying hard to get myself a race before Delhi. It will be a good warm-up for me heading into the home race,’ Narain told IANS on the sidelines of a promotional event organised by Hero Motors Friday.
Narain said that the India race will be ‘probably’ his last for the current season but he he will try all he can to remain in F1 for the 2012 season.
‘I am determined to stay in F1 for as long as I can. I don’t really know what the future holds for me after the Indian Grand Prix but with the help of my sponsors I am hoping things fall in place for the 2012 season,’
The 34-year-old realises that it will be tough for him to continue in F1 but said it is something he has dealt with the from the beginning of his career.
‘Being an Indian driver, it is always difficult to find sponsors and arrange the huge sums of money required to get a seat in the top racing series. I still have TATA supporting me and if other corporates show interest it will help me in staying here (F1),’ said Karthikeyan, who made a F1 comeback this season after a five-year gap.
For now, Karthikeyan can’t wait to race at the Buddh Circuit. He visited the 5.14 km track two weeks ago and rates it as one of the ‘most challenging’ on the F1 calendar.
‘I always dreamed about driving a F1 car but never in my wildest imagination thought that I would drive in a F1 race in India. It will be a special feeling when I do my initial laps there (BIC).’
On the track Narain said: ‘The track is very challenging. The cars will run at 320 kmph on the long straight and a lot of undulations will make it an exciting affair’.
