Chandhok to test for Red Bull

Karun Chandhok, winner of a GP2 race at the demanding Spa-Francorchamps circuit this year, will test for Red Bull Racing, when F1 testing resumes at the Circuit de Catalunya, (Barcelona) on 13 and 14 November.

The 23 year old Indian, who was born in Madras (Chennai), will be standing in for regular tester, Sebastien Buemi, who is competing in the Macau Formula 3 race. Winning at Spa was the highlight of Chandhok's season in GP2, having secured the drive after being crowned the 2006 Asian Formula Renault V6 Champion, with seven wins and nine pole positions.

"This really is a dream come true for me," said Karun Chandhok. "Ever since I was four years old I've dreamed of being behind the wheel of a Formula One car and this is a day that not just myself, but my family and everyone who has supported me over the years, has thought about for a long time. I really have to thank everyone involved at Red Bull Racing for this opportunity; I'm really looking forward to it."

"Karun has been supported by Red Bull for a couple of years now and his progress in GP2 this year has been clearly evident, culminating in a win at Spa," commented team principal Christian Horner. "Barcelona presents a good opportunity to put Karun in one of the cars for his first F1 drive."