Narain Karthikeyan’s comeback into Formula One has surely surprised many. The fact that he is coming back after a five-season absence from the top form of motorsport is not an easy achievement. Seen as someone who has umpteen raw talent, the 33-year-old now has another chance to prove his mettle with the best in the world.
His last stint in F1 with the Jordan Toyota team in 2005 was modest but with things having changed in the sport, it could be a different ball game. However, he has had some good results and also wins in the now-defunct A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport and the Superleague Formula series (for Dutch team PSV Eindhoven). He has been driving in the Nascar World Camping Truck Series in 2010 and in Le Mans.
With so much racing experience, his 2011 season with Hispania, who have confirmed his signing up, could indeed throw up something interesting. Daily News & Analysis Karthikeyan said: “I am confident that I still have the pace, the fitness and the will to succeed in Formula 1.”
Team boss Colin Kolles said: “I am sure his experience and speed will be very useful for the team during the season.”
India will also host its first F1 Grand Prix in October, and Karthikeyan says he is honoured to be able to race on home soil next season. “I’ve been through a lot in my career but to be a part of the first-ever Indian Grand Prix will a special moment for me,” Karthikeyan said. “I’ve always seen cricketers playing in front of home fans and how pumped up the support gets them. To experience over 100,000 fans cheering for me will be a surreal experience.
Hispania were one of three teams new to F1 in 2010, finishing 11th of the 12 teams in the constructors’ championship despite having the slowest car on the grid. Karthikeyan’s first appearance for the team is scheduled to be at the first pre-season in Valencia next month. He will be at the wheel of the team’s 2010 car. Their 2011 model will not be ready until just before the season. Karthikeyan added: “It’s been a while in the making, but I am extremely happy to be racing again in F1 in 2011,” Karthikeyan said.