Chandhok wants F1 debut in 2009
Chandhok was linked with a drive with the Silverstone-based team last year when they were taken over by compatriot, and close friend, Vijay Mallya.
However, the multi-millionaire owner has opted for the experienced former Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella and promising Adrian Sutil to spearhead the team's campaign in their debut season.
"If you look at it, Fisichella is coming towards the end of his career and Sutil is on a one-year extension," Chandhok told Autosport magazine.
"You could speculate that both of those seats could be up for grabs at the end of the year. If I can finish in the top five of GP2, I think that would put me in contention.
"Mallya has proved by not signing Narain Karthikeyan or me that he is not signing drivers based on nationality. Of course, the fact that I'm Indian is going to help – that's not rocket science – and his ideal scenario is a quick Indian driver.
"But, as we're friends, we've agreed in principle that another year in GP2 is what I need to do, and then we'll see." Hindustan Times
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Karun Chandhok |
12/17/07 (GMM) Karun Chandhok is confident he can begin a career on the formula one grid in 2009.
Although countryman and long time supporter Vijay Mallya has ruled the 23-year-old Indian GP2 driver out of the running for a Force India seat next year, Chandhok is happy to instead look to 2009 for his grand prix break.
"My chances are looking a lot better now than one or two years ago," Chandhok told the Indian news agency PTI.
He recently made his F1 test debut with Red Bull, deeming it a success as he surpassed the team's expectations.
"They said if I got within one second of David Coulthard, they will be very happy. I got within seven tenths of his time," he beamed.
Chandhok plans to race again in GP2 in 2008, targeting a place in the top five championship standings.
"There will be a good opportunity at formula one (in 2009) because a lot of contracts are expiring at the end of the next season," he said.
Chandhok also ruled out eventually winning an easy ride with Force India, just because of his nationality and Mallya's firm desire to power an Indian to the podium of the inaugural Indian grand prix in 2010.
"As far as Force India goes, Mallya has been very clear that the driver choice will be based on credibility (rather) than nationality and I one hundred per cent agree with him," he said.