HRT confirm Karthikeyan in team for 2011
2011 F1 season
Narain Karthikeyan, Williams, 2007
HRT has confirmed Narain Karthikeyan will drive for the team in 2011.
Team principal Colin Kolles said:
It is a great pleasure for us to have signed Narain Karthikeyan as our race driver for the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship.
I have known Narain for a long time and he can revert to the experiences he gained when he was competing for Jordan Grand Prix and being test and reserve driver for Williams F1. Narain has also been driving in other racing series and running in one of the legendary Audi sports cars in the Le Mans Series.
I am sure that his experience and speed will be very useful for the team during the season. We are welcoming Narain to our team and we look forward to working closely with him this year.
Colin Kolles
Karthikeyan added:
It’s been a while in the making, but I am extremely happy to be racing again in Formula 1 in 2011.
I have always maintained that I have not given up on my desire to return to the pinnacle of world motorsport. I am confident that I still have the pace, the fitness and the will to succeed in Formula 1.
I’m looking forward to racing for Hispania Racing, and to working again with Dr. Colin Kolles. We have a long standing and excellent working relationship together. I’m also looking forward to racing at the first ever Indian Grand Prix in October, and I hope that the Indian public will spur me on with their blessings and good wishes.
Narian Karthikeyan
View the list of 2011 F1 drivers and teams.
- Razia and Valsecchi to be Lotus reserve drivers
- Pedro de la Rosa rejoins McLaren as reserve
- HRT confirm Liuzzi as Karthikeyan’s team mate
- Di Resta to race for Force India, Hülkenberg to test
- Fairuz Fauzy joins Renault as reserve driver for 2011
- HRT confirm Karthikeyan in team for 2011
- Renault set date for ‘Lotus Renault GP R31′ launch
- Force India to launch VJM04 at Jerez test
- Petrov to remain at Renault in 2011 and 2012
- Jerome d’Ambrosio to drive for Virgin in 2011
Image © Williams/LAT
smifaye (@smifaye) said on 7th January 2011, 8:59
He’s looking forward to the Indian GP, he will probably be replaced by someone like Ralph Firman! Why is it that only bad drivers bring sponsorship because thats clearly the only thing HRT is looking for.
Does noone else bring any sponsorship, someone good?
BasCB (@bascb) said on 7th January 2011, 9:04
Well it is said that Di Grassi has pretty solid funding and Duchman Van der Garde is supposed to have an interesting bag of money speaking for him, LOL.
With HRT, they are probably still collecting enough to get a car out at all before the season gets going. So actually them signing a driver with a good “commercial package” is very hopefull. Lets just hope it does not end like USF1 did last year after signing Lopez with Argentinian money.
Still it might be some fun watching Karthikeyan again turning a wheel in F1.
verstappen said on 7th January 2011, 9:17
Van der Garde gave up on the idea to drive F1 next year and is focussing on GP2. He signed again for Barwa Addax. He just needs to become champion to have his chances upped!
BasCB (@bascb) said on 7th January 2011, 9:22
So next year, after he wins (if he wins) GP2 he will be the premier candidate for the HRT drive, LOL great prospect.
manB said on 7th January 2011, 10:52
Time may come when we will pay 1000$ and will get a lap in HRT car….
I may get a job at HRT for this idea. lol
jimscreechy (@jimscreechy) said on 7th January 2011, 11:05
Personally I don’t think HRT will even make the grid with a new car. I bet they will have last years care on the 2011 grid, and I dont’ think they will make it to the end of the season.
US_Peter (@us_peter) said on 7th January 2011, 20:23
It won’t be another USF1, because in a worst case scenario HRT can just run last year’s car with some minor updates to comply with the 2011 specs. Of course I suppose it’s possible that they won’t even accomplish that…
Mike said on 7th January 2011, 22:57
I agree, They remind me very much of Minardi, Which is one reason I can’t understand why people don’t like them. I’m mean sure, they are as slow as… a budgie. But at least they are giving it a shot. I mean, Toyota amongst others pulled out when things got slightly harder, So if HRT thought like them, they wouldn’t even attempt to survive next year.
Mike said on 7th January 2011, 22:58
I can totally understand Kolles picking Narian, He has money, which for them is a necessity. He also has experience (even if it’s of going slowly), something that is incredibly hard to find.
McGregski (@mcgregski) said on 7th January 2011, 22:57
If they do manage to accomplish that surely the 107% rule will reduce them to nothing more than quali at each race… which will lead to sponsors leaving and a car sat in a garage going nowhere.
If they really do have a major sponsor to reveal I hope to god that they pay the cash to Toyota to use the TF110 for this season
Nin13 (@) said on 7th January 2011, 13:14
Why should we have cheap pay drivers. I’m an Indian, but I firmly believe that he had his fair shot at F1 and failed. He was thrashed by Taigo Montiero. Noob does not deserve drive. Anyone else agree??
Burnout said on 7th January 2011, 19:58
I disagree. In races that both of them finished, Monteiro was ahead 7-6. And usually the lower placed driver was only one or two places back. Yes, Monteiro did better over the course of the season, but Narain was faster from the get go. In the end there wasn’t too much between them.
Jose said on 7th January 2011, 13:45
Good Drivers want to be paid… Apu Karthikeyan doesn’t (doesn’t he look like Apu? Chandook doesn’t…So that will be fun…Let’s get Moe in too, he could sell his bar…
mfDB (@mfdb) said on 7th January 2011, 20:00
Or Monty Burns, I’m sure he has the cash. He may need some fitness training, but he has the cash for that too….
Istallion said on 8th January 2011, 12:15
How about Sylvester Stallone? He may be old but he has the money and also did some training when filming “Driven”, that should be enough to be race fit.
Speed Damon said on 9th January 2011, 11:55
Or Schwarzneger, while we’re on the subject. If I saw Arnie coming up in my rear mirrors I’d get out of the way.
Kyle said on 7th January 2011, 9:00
I thought his days in F1 was over.. He’s back!? Hmmmm Do you think he can still drive? To the wall? :)
Todfod (@todfod) said on 7th January 2011, 10:01
He can literally drive the wheels off that HRT
dyslexicbunny said on 7th January 2011, 19:31
But that’s already been done this past season Tod. He’s gotta do something new. Rear wing fly away? Transmission falls out?
Mike said on 7th January 2011, 23:05
Between Buemi and Rosberg, They have got that down pretty well already…
David A said on 8th January 2011, 5:55
Let’s not forget Kubica! :P
Fixy (@fixy) said on 9th January 2011, 17:05
After this, HRT would be better with Badoer. Looooooooots more experience and despite no sponsorship drove two years ago, after all the 2009 regulations, and could develop the car.
Cristian (@cristian) said on 7th January 2011, 9:00
I’m sorry to say this but there goes another seat to a bad driver, while Nick Heidfeld and Nico Hulkenberg don’t have drives for next year…
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 9:14
Heidfeld and Hulkenberg wouldn’t want to drive for HRT – Hulkenberg needs a midfield team (ie: Force India) to further impress. Heidfeld would only take a top drive, which, we all know, won’t happen now.
Although I agree with your sentiments, a shame they are left on the sidelines, but if this pay driver money is keeping the team afloat, then I’d rather that than only 11 teams…
Cristian (@cristian) said on 7th January 2011, 9:18
I agree with you but this is the last of this trend of pay drivers and I don’t like it at all . It just adds to the frustration .
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 9:31
It is very frustrating when you have drivers of the calibre of Heidfeld and Hulkenberg sitting on the side, but if they are necessary, then they have to do it…
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys) said on 7th January 2011, 9:36
If Heidfeld and Hulkenberg don’t have drives, then that’s their own stupid fault. Heidfeld had his heart set on a Mercedes drive, and didn’t both speaking to anyone until after Schumacher was confirmed there, leaving him with no options. He might have made a comeback with Sauber, but he admitted to struggling with the heavy cars. He’s only got a season in him at the most – he can’t race forever – so it’s probably better to quit with his dignity intact.
As for Hulkenberg, he was offered a seat at Hispania, and decided not to taken it. Instead, he’s tryig to get a drive at either Force India or Toro Rosso – the only teams left with any (official) vacancies, and both of which have close relationships with all their drivers. He’s the architect of his own destruction.
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 9:43
Slightly harsh, but to some extents I agree, Heidfeld felt he had done enough to prove himself in midfield teams, so set his sights on top team or bust. In the end it came to bust. He just isn’t interested in driving at the back anymore, which is understandable.
Hulkenberg will get more from a third driver role at Force India than a race driver at HRT – think Hakkinen at McLaren 1993.
Burnout said on 7th January 2011, 20:05
Unfortunately the new in-season testing ban means Hulkenberg won’t see too much action behind the wheel as a test driver. It’s a shame really. He could do brilliantly after a period of apprenticeship at a top team, like Massa in ’05.
US_Peter (@us_peter) said on 7th January 2011, 20:33
Except that Force India was the team that gave the most time behind the wheel to their 3rd driver, so as far as test/reserve driver seats go, Force India is probably the one to land.
Burnout said on 7th January 2011, 20:36
True, but I don’t know how much good all those free practice sessions did for Paul di Resta, career-wise. If Force India give di Resta a race seat this year, I’ll agree with you.
Soumya Banerjee said on 7th January 2011, 12:54
Heidfeld talented? Wow how many more chances does he have to be given? He is simply not fast enough,even if he manages to take his car to the finish line usually. And he doesnt have age on his side either.
As for Hulkenberg,it is a shame. This pay driver trend is making me turn away from F1. I hope no more nasty surprises are in store.
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 14:59
I disagree, I think he has acheived everything asked of him at every team. Finishes nearly every race, beaten nearly every team-mate!
Mike said on 7th January 2011, 23:08
People keep arguing about Heidfeld vs Kubica, So I think that says a lot for how good Heidfeld is.
ajokay (@ajokay) said on 7th January 2011, 9:00
Now everyone will have to remember how to say and pronounce his name again, for all of what will end up being about 4 races. And for some reason he seems to think that just because he has a seat at HRT in January dosen’t mean he’ll have a seat at HRT come Sunday, 30th October. Unless Bernie’s had a word.
Scribe (@scribe) said on 7th January 2011, 14:40
Irritaiting that we loose Chandock for this wally,I’m suprised more companies haven’t come to Chandocks support considering his popularity.
BasCB (@bascb) said on 7th January 2011, 15:32
From what Peter Windsor says, Chandhok is still in the best position to get 3rd driver role at Team Lotus:
Very possibly a more interesting postion to be in and he might end up driving just as much miles as Narain (car break downs in FP and failing to make the 107%, and all)
BasCB (@bascb) said on 7th January 2011, 15:33
Here is a link, his piece sounds like it might be based on solid information http://www.theracedriver.com/2011/01/narain-karthikeyan-karun-chandhok-indian-f1-progress/
US_Peter (@us_peter) said on 7th January 2011, 20:36
The Chandhok quotes in this Autosport article would seem to be in line with Windsor’s article. Hope that happens, it would be great to see him on the grid at the inaugural Indian GP, with potential for a 2012 seat full time.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88833?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
owain bright said on 7th January 2011, 9:03
it’s such a shame that sponsorship money is more important to the teams than talent.
Todfod (@todfod) said on 7th January 2011, 11:25
Whats a bigger shame is the lack of knowledge on the part of these corporates. They should do a little research, or hire people who are good at allocating sponsorship funds. Karthikeyan’s career is dead, while Chandhok, a marginally more promising driver, has just begun his career in F1.
But anyone who is familiar with the way TATA works, will know that their ignorance in this matter comes as no surprise.
Burnout said on 7th January 2011, 20:07
Oh, and you’re familiar with how Tata works?
Seriously, if you are I’d like to know. Not being sarcastic here.
Icthyes (@icthyes) said on 7th January 2011, 22:49
Apparently there are two factions in India when it comes to motor racing, one supported Karthikeyan and the other Chandhok. So I’m not too surprised they passed over Chandhok, it was probably for political reasons.
Todfod (@todfod) said on 8th January 2011, 6:43
Yes. I was working for TCS (Tata Consultancy services) for a year. I really do not want to get into the details of how that organisation is running.
HounslowBusGarage said on 7th January 2011, 9:03
I just had to check his age again. He’s 33 already. Am I right in thinking that he hasn’t actually raced F1 since 2005?
He must have brought a mighty big cheque with him.
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 9:09
Yep, 2005 with Jordan – opposite Tiago Monteiro. The only thing I remember of the two, was that it was Monteiro that seized the opportunity of a third place when it was gifted in America, not Narain.
glue said on 7th January 2011, 9:13
and Monteiro finished every race that season and also had one more points finish than *current HRT driver whose name I won’t bother trying to spell*
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 9:15
Every race? Wow! I knew it was a lot, I thought it was more like all bar 1! That’s very impressive though, wish he was given another chance!
David A said on 7th January 2011, 14:31
It was all bar one, Tiago retired in Brazil.
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 15:01
Cheers David, I feel like I just won a quiz…
Burnout said on 7th January 2011, 20:10
He was given another chance, sort of. Monteiro drove for Midland in ’06. A bad place to be for sure, but it was one step above Super Aguri with the modified ’02 Arrows chassis!
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 9:06
I can’t help but think that the Indian GP will be bringing the team massive sponsorship because of Karthikeyan.
Personally, as nice a chap as i’m sure he is, I don’t think he’s the right choice for the team. At least keeping Yamamoto (I know he’s useless!) would have given the illusion of stability, but, as others have alluded to, it looks nothing more than a round-a-bout now!
Mike said on 8th January 2011, 0:22
Given how much Sakon was supposedly paying, I doubt he could afford another season…
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 9:11
I’ll repeat my pondering from yesterday (comment of the day no less ;) ) about the identity of his team-mate.
My guess is another pay driver…
ajokay (@ajokay) said on 7th January 2011, 9:44
Ricardo Rosset!!
Scottie (@scottie) said on 7th January 2011, 11:30
Pedro Lamy!
Adam said on 7th January 2011, 9:17
I never thought I would say it about any team, but I wish HRT would just fold and go away. At least Lotus carried themselves well and have a clear target and look like their on the right track. Virgin are trying something different with the CFD, where as HRT are just a joke
Todfod (@todfod) said on 7th January 2011, 11:52
Agree. Stefan GP should have got that last entry instead of HRT
Adrian J (@adrian-j) said on 7th January 2011, 18:19
Stefan GP were not a serious outfit, they were just as much a game of smoke and mirrors as USF1, though you have to give whoever did their PR points for making everyone thing they were serious.
Mike said on 8th January 2011, 0:31
I’d like to see you take over a team at the 11th hour, inheriting a terrible car, no facilities, two complete rookies with little or no budget and still mange to complete all the races and compete the next year.
I suspect the way your thinking works, is that your favourite driver is the one who is winning.
Todfod (@todfod) said on 8th January 2011, 7:26
I think the point that Adam is trying to make, is that teams started at the last minute, with a terrible car, no facilities, two complete rookies and no budget, do not deserve to be in the sport… or are a ‘joke’. He has a very valid point.
Mike said on 9th January 2011, 5:42
explain “deserve”.
Personally, I like the underdog to be given a fair crack.
Tango (@tango) said on 12th January 2011, 12:55
I actually think he said that while the three teams have started with a similar hand, HRT have not managed to end up with a convincing case that their approach / goal / work / results is on par with the others.
verstappen said on 7th January 2011, 9:22
Hindu’s Ride Tata?
Rooney said on 7th January 2011, 10:14
Hindu is a word used to denote people of a parcticular religion called hinduism. Just like “christians”, “muslims”…etc. It is not a nationality.
Country: India
Nationality: Indian
Language: Hindi (nothing related to “hindu”, it just happens to be what it is called)
Capital: New Delhi
These are the correct terms.
Cheers
bananarama (@bananarama) said on 7th January 2011, 12:52
About 40% of Indians woud say Hindi is their first language. English is the second official language. Languages such as Bengali, Kashmiri and Punjabi (and many more) are official languages in the states of India aswell.
:-)
verstappen said on 7th January 2011, 14:46
Just to be sure: no offence meant.
If Christijan Albers signed, I would call them Hose Riding Turds, or Holland Rampen Team (Ramp = disaster). And Holland is just part of my country, which is called the Netherlands, but it’s just known that way.
And yes, it was a lame joke…
BasCB (@bascb) said on 7th January 2011, 15:08
Nice ones with Albers, what about Holland Rings Trouble?
By the way i just had a flash of brilliance, what if Tony Fernandes would rename his team “Golden Tulip” and paint the cars Green with gold.
The name should be available cheaply, after all the hotel chain went bust a couple of years ago and all of us would know which flower he ment.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys) said on 7th January 2011, 9:38
So, with Tata sponsorship, does that mean that Hispania’s full name is now (wait for it!) …
TATA HISPANIA RACING?
Read into that what you will …
ajokay (@ajokay) said on 7th January 2011, 9:46
I did a cartoon…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/ajokay/HRTSFF.jpg
Ben Needham (@ben-n) said on 7th January 2011, 9:48
Brilliant! Very impressive! You should do more!
Nixon (@nixon) said on 7th January 2011, 9:54
Very nice :)
BasCB (@bascb) said on 7th January 2011, 10:42
Wow, looks like HRT is thriving!
LOL, nice one Ajokay.
Antranik (@antranik) said on 7th January 2011, 11:23
hehe
Adrian J (@adrian-j) said on 7th January 2011, 18:28
So that’s where The Stig went…
dyslexicbunny said on 7th January 2011, 19:37
Nice work ajokay. Looks great.
US_Peter (@us_peter) said on 8th January 2011, 0:04
That cracks me up! Well done.
Master firelee (@master-firelee) said on 12th January 2011, 17:53
ithink it would be more realistic if it was just the shed
Nixon (@nixon) said on 7th January 2011, 9:58
Shumacher is the most succesfull driver in history, 3 years out of F1 and he isn’t that good (yet). But Karthikeyan 6 years out of F1 hmmmmm…
snowman said on 7th January 2011, 11:02
Haha very good point Nixon, That about sums the whole thing up!!
Todfod (@todfod) said on 7th January 2011, 11:41
I guess they have to change the 107% rule to a 170% rule to make sure Karthikeyan gets to race.
Maksutov said on 7th January 2011, 15:33
lol
Osvaldas31 (@osvaldas31) said on 7th January 2011, 10:05
Karthikeyan must be bringing with him full bag of money. Didn’t HRT find a younger driver with money? He is quite old and doesn’t have much experience like drivers like Pedro de la Rosa and Nick Heidfeld, which still doesn’t have a seat in F1. Now I lost hope that someday my compatriot Kazim Vasiliauskas will drive in F1, because I don’t think he will ever have so much money like these talentless guys.
rojov123 (@rojov123) said on 7th January 2011, 10:16
A Black Hole would suck less!!!!!!
Magnificent Geoffrey (@magnificent-geoffrey) said on 7th January 2011, 11:23
Oh snap!
Feynman said on 7th January 2011, 19:45
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_common_misconceptions#Astronomy