When will there be an Indian driver in an Indian team?
The 2008 season has not been very good so far for the Indian hopeful Karun Chandhok, who competes in GP2. However, he remains hopeful about his chances of moving up to Formula 1 in 2009. For the moment, Chandhok is seventh in the GP2 standings and had the opportunity to participate in tests last year […]
The 2008 season has not been very good so far for the Indian hopeful Karun Chandhok, who competes in GP2. However, he remains hopeful about his chances of moving up to Formula 1 in 2009.
For the moment, Chandhok is seventh in the GP2 standings and had the opportunity to participate in tests last year with the Red Bull Renault team. Due to his nationality, his name has been associated with the Indian team Force India, which wishes, more than anything, to have an Indian driver in its ranks by 2010 for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.
« The ideal would be to have an Indian team with a local driver to reinforce the fans’ sense of patriotism, » said Chandhok.
« But I would like to obtain my position solely based on my qualities and not because of my nationality. Therefore, I remain open to any other option. »
The co-owner of Force India, Vijay Mallya, warned Chandhok a year ago, telling him that success in GP2 is necessary to move up to Formula 1.
« He must demonstrate to me his talent and the work accomplished in GP2, » Mallya stated regarding the current season.
If he is good enough, the Force India team will suit him perfectly.
Even with the support of Red Bull and Scuderia Toro Rosso, these two teams remain only options for Chandhok. His teammate in GP2, Bruno Senna, would be preferred to secure a spot in the team currently hiring Sébastien Bourdais.
