HRT sign.... Karthikeyan?!?!

[scotty86]

Narain Karthikeyan will return to Formula 1 with HRT this year after revealing on Thursday that he has signed a deal to race for the team.

Although the Spanish-based outfit has not made any official statement itself confirming the news, Karthikeyan told the India media and announced via his own Twitter feed that he will be racing in F1 again.

On his Twitter page, he wrote: "Back in F1 in 2011. Signed a deal to race for HRT. I've always maintained that my time in F1 was not over and now making good on that promise."

AUTOSPORT understands that HRT will make an announcement about one of its drivers on Friday morning.

Karthikeyan last raced in F1 back in 2005, when he competed for the Jordan team - and he is most famously remembered for the huge accident he suffered at the Chinese Grand Prix.

After that campaign, he spent two seasons as a Williams test driver before switching to the A1GP series.

In 2009, he linked up with HRT team principal Colin Kolles to race for the German's Audi team in the Le Mans Series and 24 Hours - before spending last season in NASCAR's Truck Series and occasional appearances in Superleague, winning at Brands Hatch.

Speaking to The Times of India about his drive, Karthikeyan said: "It's been a while in the making, but I am delighted to be racing again in Formula 1 in 2011. I have always maintained that I have not given up on my desire to return to the top level of motorsport.

"I am confident that I have the pace, the fitness and the will to succeed in Formula 1. I am extremely grateful to the Tata Group, without whose unwavering support this comeback would not have been possible.

"I'm looking forward to racing for HRT and to working again with Dr Colin Kolles. We have a long standing and excellent working relationship together."

Karthikeyan's return to F1 coincides with the first Indian Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place in October.

Did NOT see this one coming. Wow. What a complete joke...

If i tried to list all the drivers more worthy of an F1 seat than him, i think i'd just lose count.

[Caito]

It's the golden rule. The one who has the gold, makes the rules.

[ringo]

Yep
Pay to play; No dough no go.

We have seen many times throughout 2010 that It's all about sponsorship money.
Teams don't give a damn about potential, they just want the dough $$$.
Hulkenberg needs to hurry up and get the other seat!

Karthikeyan brought the Tata mobile money, and he's in for 2010 for what reason i don't know. It sure aint performance.

I have a feeling the indian GP and bernie have something to do with this.

[thestig84]

Your right it is about sponsorship money but HRT are reaching new lows. They dont have a budget whatsoever and are totally reliant on pay drivers to fund to operation. Its not right.

Karthikeyan has had a shot and didnt make the grade he doesnt deserve another when people like Hulk are sitting on the sidelines.

[Tim.Wright]

We have seen many times throughout 2010 that It's all about sponsorship money.
Teams don't give a damn about potential, they just want the dough $$$.

This sort of thing isn't new guys. Especially with smaller teams. I'm sure they care about driver potential, but due to money constraints it has to feature lower on the priority list than it should.

If you had the choice between 1. accepting a pay driver or 2. facing an uncertaini future. What would you take?

[sticky667]

it's a catch 22 for a small team. no money = no car = no chance to improve and bring the money on board for better personnel/drivers. gotta start somewhere and there are plenty of drivers with cash looking for their big break and willing to drop the coin.

you can't hate HRT for taking the money of a pay driver, Ferrari did the same for Alonso and there was no fussing about it. The only reason he's in a red car is because Santander paid off Kimi's contract.

[ringo]

No i don't mind the pay driver thing; so long as the driver can drive the car respectively.

In the case of teams on the verge of dropping out due to financial concerns or inability to perform i would take the pay driver and his money in efforts to bolster the team for the year after the next.
Sponsorship money could position HRT well for developments that could pay off more in 2012. It could bring in some specialist engineers from other teams for example, which reduces the time taken to learn the basics about running a top team, or even the design of the car itself.
To me, the money is more valuable for the team. Non paying driver can only benefit the team from his in car performance; which is not guaranteed. His contribution doesn't go beyond himself.
A pay driver otoh, with his money, guarantees a widespread contribution. This goes beyond his driving ability and seeps through the team of engineers and whoever else the team has. Basically his money can make a crappy car fast, by financing r&d and attracting valuable engineers.
The non paying driver, no matter how skilled he is, cannot make a crap car fast.

Hulk needs to change nationality, and get some sponsors. Maybe bahrain or Abu dhabi.

[Giblet]

They are building a team, so money and competence is more important than a driver who can blow his teammate out of the water every race. They are only competing with themselves right now, and Virgin if they are lucky.

[dumrick]

I can't fathom why most people are so negative about these news. Karthikeyan and HRT is a marriage made in heaven. I can't even start to imagine the potential synergies available with this true rejectful association between the diver that made Tiago Monteiro almost look like a good driver and the team that races Monza in high-downforce configuration and that seems to be looking to race in 2011 with just an engine and a transmission/hidraulics - if they can afford it, as their suppliers don't forget to state.

Now, if they only chose a truly experienced driver for better development... - the names of Yuji Ide and Chanoch Nissany spring to my mind...

[Giblet]

I just realized I was thinking of Chandhock. Not sure Narainis a good choice

[vall]

you can't hate HRT for taking the money of a pay driver, Ferrari did the same for Alonso and there was no fussing about it. The only reason he's in a red car is because Santander paid off Kimi's contract.

you made my day mate.... we are talking about one of the best drivers, if not the best, on the grid...

[Shrek]

dang, i wanted to see him race Trucks for a little while longer

[thestig84]

you can't hate HRT for taking the money of a pay driver, Ferrari did the same for Alonso and there was no fussing about it. The only reason he's in a red car is because Santander paid off Kimi's contract.

you made my day mate.... we are talking about one of the best drivers, if not the best, on the grid...

Narainis alright but not sure he is the best on the grid

[Giblet]

He won a race in A1GP and was talking about coming back to F1, but I had basically ignored that.

I really feel for Chandhock. The guy was consistent and should not have been on the sidelines all season.

[ringo]

Next move:

Ho pin tung, seat #2... sponsorship: 1 birrion dorrah!!

Tata HRT set for ram packed chinese and Indian grand prix. Bernie will love it!