Karthikeyan looking for 2007 drive

Narain Karthikeyan, WilliamsF1's second test driver, has expressed his desire to return to racing. The 29-year-old (above), who became India's first Formula 1 driver last year when he raced for Jordan, wants to return to F1's front line next season.

"I'm happy at the moment with Williams," says Narain Karthikeyan. "But I've always expressed my desire to be back and racing on Sundays, and there are still a few options for next year. I hope I can get a good seat with somebody."

Williams has been impressed by Karthikeyan's speed this year and it has offered him a lot of testing work when the current testing ban ends after the Turkish Grand Prix on 27 August.

"To be honest," says Williams technical director Sam Michael, "Narain has surprised us a little this year. He's a fast driver and has given us good feedback. We will use him a lot in the coming months."

Williams have already confirmed their '07 driver line-up as Nico Rosberg and Alex Wurz, so Karthikeyan will try to use the upcoming test sessions to showcase his abilities.