GreenBkk Formula 1 | Chandhok wants Team Lotus tester role

Chandhok wants Team Lotus tester role

Karun Chandhok says he would happily take a test driver role in 2011 if it could lead to a move up the grid the following season.

Chandhok entered Formula One in 2010 with the Hispania Racing team. However, his career faltered almost before it began after the Spanish team sidelined him in the wake of the British GP.

The Indian racer, though, insists he won't give up on Formula One and is hoping to land a test driver role for the 2011 season.

"I want something for the medium and long term - not just for 2011," he told Autosport.

"What I do in 2012 and 2013 is important. If that means taking a back seat, as reserve driver next year, then so be it - a bit like what Paul di Resta did in 2010.

"As long as it is somewhere further up the grid, then that is the best option."

Chandhok also revealed that he never entered talks with Hispania regarding a race-seat for 2011, saying he was not impressed by the team's plans - or lack thereof - for the new season.

"I wasn't chasing the HRT drive in 2011," he said. "The team didn't make much progress last year and, at the time when we last spoke to them, it didn't sound like there was a huge amount in the pipeline for this year.

"I had one year with them, and I am grateful and will always be grateful to them for getting me a foot in the door. But now I'm looking elsewhere."

As for which team he would like to join this season, Chandhok admits he has been impressed by Team Lotus's goals for the future and their boss, Tony Fernandes.

"I like Tony's attitude about building an Asian team," he said. "He has been quite vocal about it, and talked in the past about building a team with Asian drivers and staff. For me to go there would be a big benefit to him too, especially as AirAsia is now flying to India.

"The team progressed well last year with its structure. There are a lot of good people there, and they invested well for the future. It seems like a good place to be for the immediate future - but at the moment nothing is done. Everything is still up in the air."

Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)