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Chandhok won't race in India

Karun Chandhok finished 20th on his only race appearance so far this season © ESPNF1

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Karun Chandhok will not race in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix after Lotus confirmed to ESPNF1 that it is sticking with its usual driver line-up.

Chandhok had hoped to join Narain Karthikeyan on the grid for the first race in India, with Jarno Trulli the man most likely to be replaced as had been the case for the German Grand Prix earlier this season. However Lotus has decided that it will not change its race drivers as it focuses on securing 10th place in the constructors' championship.

While any points are unlikely, Lotus, HRT and Virgin are all ranked according to their highest finishing position. Lotus currently holds 10th by virtue of two 13th-placed finishes to HRT's one, and so needs to maximise any opportunity to improve on that result.

Chandhok will still drive in Free Practice 1 on Friday, however, and said he understood the team's decision.

"I am very excited about driving at the new Buddh International Circuit in FP1 in front of my home crowd and while I am obviously disappointed that I won't have the chance to race on Sunday, I accept the team's decision to opt for the experience and talent they have at their disposal with Jarno and Heikki," Chandhok said. "This is a team that is still young, still growing, and I know that they have to do their best to secure their future in the sport - sometimes the hard decisions have to be made, and in this case it must have been a very difficult choice, but I understand that this isn't about me.

"It's about the team and everything the 254 people on track and back at the factory are doing to build for the future. For me, I believe that I have grown as a driver in and out of the car this year with my role in the Friday practice sessions and I'm looking forward to playing my part in helping the team have another strong weekend on track."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.