Karthikeyan still hopes for a return to F1!

The Indian Narain Karthikeyan is confident about his return as an F1 driver after a third year of disappointment.

The 30-year-old became the first Indian driver in F1 history in 2005. At the time, he signed with Jordan. He was considered a driver with a great number of ambitions, both for himself and for his rapidly growing country, where young people are seeking to make their mark in sports other than cricket!

His contract with Team Jordan proved to be unproductive, and the two years of testing with Williams that followed gave him few opportunities to fulfill his ambitions.

Karthikeyan achieved his first victory with the Indian team in the A1GP series in China last week.

He was happy to showcase his abilities after years of frustration, but made sure to explain that his ambitions to become a Formula 1 driver were still valid.

« It is true that I was simply a test driver in recent months, but I keep the challenge of racing in F1, » said the Indian to Reuters.

« This victory in A1GP is essential to silence the critics. I still have time to break into F1, » he said.

Karthikeyan said he was not in favor of the title of test driver because he wants to be considered at least as the third driver.

« Certainly, it is an unfinished job in F1. There is still time. »

The A1GP for me is not a step backward, but just a step to the side from F1. In racing, I always invest 100% to try to achieve the best.

Even though the driver disappointed millions of Indian fans by not being present in F1, he generated enormous interest in motorsports in general.

Indian businessman Vijay Mallya became co-owner of the Spyker team, renamed Force India, and the country will host its first Grand Prix in New Delhi in 2010.

Karun Chandhok is also a candidate for a future spot in F1. He is currently shining in GP2 and participated in a road test with Red Bull last month.

Karthikeyan rejected the criticism that suggests his advanced age is now a constraint for a career in F1.

« There are many drivers who have raced past the age of 33 in F1. It’s all just speculation and cynicism from certain people, » he concluded.