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Ecclestone keen to see Chandhok in competitive car

ESPNF1 Staff
September 21, 2010 « The points gap looks worse than it is - Vettel | »
Bernie Ecclestone wants to see Karun Chandhok back behind the wheel of an F1 car © Getty Images
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Bernie Ecclestone is keen to see Karun Chandhok in a competitive car next year after his struggles with HRT this season.

The Indian driver joined HRT just before the start of the season and raced up until the British Grand Prix, where he was replaced by Sakon Yamamoto.

But with the Indian Grand Prix set for its inaugural running next year, Chandhok has the potential to be the key to the Indian market that Eccelstone described this year as one of "the most important and powerful players in the world of business, culture and sport".

"Having an Indian team is obviously a big help," Ecclestone told the Times of India. "An Indian driver will be an even better deal. I definitely want to see Karun in a better car next year. He served his apprenticeship in a car that he could do nothing about. He really needs to be in a team where he can show his potential because I think he can be very, very good if he gets the right car."

Since being replaced by Yamamoto, Chandhok has been in talks about next year and attending grands prix with HRT and as a Radio 5 Live commentator. Lewis Hamilton agrees with Ecclestone that he should be given another chance.

"Karun is a very good driver," he said. "He understands the nuances of the sport very well and if he is able to get a better car, he would be able to make a big difference."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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