Ricciardo delighted to give up his place to Karthikeyan in India
Daniel Ricciardo hinted that he might give up his place at HRT to Nairan Karthikeyan for the Indian Grand Prix and commented on the reports suggesting he would join Toro Rosso in 2012.
On the occasion of the announcement of the partnership between Red Bull and the Indian distribution company Big Bazaar, Daniel Ricciardo, present in India for the occasion, hinted that he would give up his place to Narain Karthikeyan in the HRT No. 22 seat, at the upcoming Indian Grand Prix: “I’m not 100% sure what’s going to happen, but at least I’ll be driving during the free practice sessions and I’m always excited when I’m on a track. When it’s part of the contract and agreement, you stick to it,” stated the Australian to Press Trust of India, regarding his potential replacement by the Indian driver.
The HRT team has not officially announced anything at the moment, except for the presence of Karthikeyan. Speculations were rife about the identity of the driver who would step down for the race held at the brand new Buddh Circuit in Greater Noida on October 30. Vitantonio Liuzzi’s manager had already given an initial indication by asserting that his driver had a contract to compete in all the races of the season.
Daniel Ricciardo, who himself replaced Karthikeyan from the British Grand Prix, downplays the fact of having to give up his place: “I still have many races until the end of the season […]. It’s always exciting to go to a new place and discover a new circuit,” says the 22-year-old, supported by Red Bull.
The HRT driver also took the opportunity to reflect on his future and the current information circulating, suggesting he might be in a Toro Rosso seat for next season: « All this is just rumors. »
