Liuzzi not Ricciardo gives up HRT seat for Karthikeyan in India

HRT has changed its original plan for the Indian GP and ‘guest driver’ Narain Karthikeyan will now be partnered by Daniel Ricciardo.

It has been intended that the Red Bull protege would not contest the race but the team has asked Tonio Liuzzi to step aside instead.

HRT boss Colin Kolles said: “Narain is a talented driver and we are proud to be going down this path with him. For this single event, Narain will be driving alongside Daniel Ricciardo. I have asked Tonio Liuzzi to step aside  for the Indian GP in order to allow driving programmes with Ricciardo and Karthikeyan to be completed. I have to thank Tonio for his professional approach and attitude.”

“Driving in front of the home crowd cheering on is going to be a surreal experience,” said Karthikeyan. “A once in a lifetime experience, and I feel extremely fortunate. There is a huge buzz around the Grand Prix already and I’m sure that it’ll be a resounding success that will motivate more youngsters towards the sport and give us the future F1 drivers.

“Making it into F1 at the time I did was a seriously uphill task and the thought of being able to compete in the inaugural Indian GP was non-existent. But it is finally here and I’ll be on the grid. It is going to be one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar.

“There are points at which, if you’re in an F1 car, you will see nothing but the sky. The layout itself is going to put tremendous energy through the tyres and the strategy will play a key role in the final result. For sure I’ll race hard and try to get a good result for myself and the team.”