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Two other drivers vying for Chandhok seat in 2011

Karun Chandhok: "We're looking very competitive against Bruno and that's all I can do really." © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Karun Chandhok
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• Bruno Senna

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• HRT

Karun Chandhok is facing competition from at least two other drivers as he hopes to hold on to his HRT seat in Formula One next season.

Chandhok currently has a one-year deal with HRT but is in talks to stay at the team for a second year as he makes a name for himself in the top flight. However, in an exclusive interview with ESPNF1, he admitted that he is facing competition for the seat from drivers with more financial backing.

"I've got a one year contract with the team but we will definitely talk about next year and the possibility of doing something together," he said. "In the car they seem happy with the job I'm doing, but they need financial investment and maybe they'll look at drivers who can offer more money, I don't know. Certainly they need to consider that, I'm sure. I can only do the best job I can in the car. I know there are two or three people talking to them about next year, but I think we're in good shape."

He said that he was still searching for sponsors and reiterated that Indian backers are caught in two minds between putting their money behind him or the Force India F1 team.

"It's tricky, because in India sponsors are sitting on the fence," Chandhok added. "They've got an Indian driver who's getting a lot of press and lot of attention around the world, but admittedly he's at the back of the grid with a team that's at the back of the grid. So do they invest with that or do they invest with an Indian team, which is really just Indian in owner and in name, but is further up the grid. And unfortunately I think they are just sitting on the fence."

He said the Indian Grand Prix in 2011 would definitely help his cause.

"Yeah definitely, of course it will. It will help, there is no doubt about it because there is nothing like watching a Formula One car live. We all remember what it was like when we first saw in F1 car live in person and I think that's what will make a difference in India."

Reflecting on his season so far, Chandhok said he had improved dramatically as a driver even if little progress had been made with the car.

"It's been a tough season, there is no doubt about it and we are lacking downforce - that's essentially what we need to make the step forward," he said. "We are trying to do the best job we can with what we've got. I think we are at a sort of stalemate with the other new teams, because the gap between us and Lotus was 1.7 or 1.8 seconds in Melbourne and it's more or less the same now. The thing is they've had aero upgrades and we haven't - that's where the difference lies.

"We've had a small suspension upgrade, but again, don't forget the two guys at Lotus are race winners, experienced guys - we [Chandhok and Bruno Senna] are two rookies and we're starting to drive a bit better at every race. Certainly in Valencia we made a good step forward with the electronics side of things and I learnt a lot. It's not necessarily changes to improve the car but just changes to make me more comfortable and therefore improve the car. You've got all those setting on the steering wheel but you need to learn when to use what. When to use the diff, when to use the engine overrun and engine braking or hydraulic brake balance, there are so many variables on an F1 car. So far we're looking very competitive against Bruno and that's all I can do really."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.