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Chandhok preparing for test role

ESPNF1 Staff
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Karun Chandhok is expecting to spend the 2012 season watching races rather than driving in them © ESPNF1
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Karun Chandhok said that he is "mentally preparing" for another season as a test and reserve driver next year.

Chandhok joined Team Lotus (now Caterham) as a reserve driver at the start of last season following a year with HRT. He participated in a number of Friday practice sessions as well as replacing Jarno Trulli for the German Grand Prix, but he has now admitted that with Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen signed up for 2012 he is facing another year without a race seat.

Chandhok said that competing for seats with drivers who have "good sponsorship money" behind them makes it a "tough situation" for him.

"I am mentally preparing myself to continue as a test driver for another season," Chandhok told the Press Trust of India. "As of now, most of the teams have announced their drivers for the 2012 season. There are only two slots up for grabs - one with Williams and other with HRT. So the situation is a bit difficult but I am ready to work hard."

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