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Fernandes wants Chandhok in India

ESPNF1 Staff
September 12, 2011 « Boullier sets Kubica deadline | »
Tony Fernandes says Karun Chandhok would replace Jarno Trulli © Sutton Images
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Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes has said that he wants Karun Chandhok to drive for the team in the Indian Grand Prix.

Chandhok joined Lotus at the start of 2011 and has participated in a number of Friday practice sessions, while also racing at the Nurburgring in place of Jarno Trulli. With the inaugural race in India providing a substantial sponsorship and PR opportunity, Narain Karthikeyan is expected to drive for HRT, and when asked if he wanted Chandhok to race Fernandes confirmed that was his intention.

"I'd like him to. It's up to the team to see (whether he will)," Fernandes is quoted by Reuters.

Jarno Trulli recently signed a deal with Lotus for 2012, but with Chandhok having replaced him in Germany Fernandes said that was likely to happen again as he saw Heikki Kovalainen as the team's leading driver.

"Yes, I think Heikki is our number one driver, although Jarno's outqualified him here (at the Italian Grand Prix)."

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