New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) Ace Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan might be gearing up hard for Team India’s forthcoming A1 Grand Prix season but he is still hopeful of getting a chance to drive for Formula One team Spyker, into which liquor baron Vijay Mallya is poised acquire a 50 percent stake.
“At present we have a very good A1 season ahead and I am hopeful of winning some races this year. We also had some good testing sessions in Silverstone, England, where we were the quickest of the 22 participating nations. But I am also in talks with other F1 teams, including Spyker,” Karthikeyan told reporters here Tuesday.
Karthikeyan made his F1 debut with Jordan in the 2005-06 season but did not last too long and has since been waiting in the wings, currently working as a test driver for Williams.
“Nothing is concrete about my talks with F1 teams but I am sure it would take some shape in the coming days. But I am committed with our A1 team till December and if the dates clash later I have to leave them and go for my F1 duties with Williams,” said Karthikeyan.
He also added that Mallya buying into the Spyker team would be a big boost for motorsports in the country and opening doors for Indian rivers in elite F1 racing.
“An Indian owning an F1 team is a big thing. It will open up a huge window of opportunities for Indian drivers to race in F1. I hope I will also get a chance to drive for Spyker very soon,” said Karthikeyan.
The only India to take part in F1, the Chennai-based driver made his A1 debut only last year.
“Last year I made my debut in New Zealand and straightaway we were competitive. This year we have made significant changes in the car and the team has also been restructured with more finance,” he said.
Kathikeyan ended on a more optimistic note by saying that A1 Team India would have a realistic chance of winning in the coming season but consistency will be the key.