Karthikeyan back in F1!

Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula 1 driver, popularly known as the fastest Indian in the world has given Indian motorsport fans a big reason to cheer. Narain is back in Formula 1 after a five year hiatus and is all charged up to compete at the pinnacle of world motor sport. 

Narain will make his F1 comeback with the Hispania Racing Team (HRT) as a race driver for the 2011 Formula 1 season and is looking forward to fulfilling his dream of being an Indian driver on the grid of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.  This will be a historic moment for Indian motor sport and an elated Narain said. “I have worked really hard to come back to F1 and it will be a dream come true to race in front of the home crowd in our country’s debut Grand Prix. I hope that the Indian public will spur me on with their blessings and good wishes."

The Tata Group and especially Tata Motors have played a pivotal role in ensuring Narain's return to a full-time Formula 1 race drive. 

Narain 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 motor sport. 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” 

Narain’s inaugural F1 season in 2005 gave a big boost to the popularity of the sport in India. With Narain’s comeback for the 2011 season and the prospect of having an Indian driver on the grid of the Indian Grand Prix, the interest and fan following in Formula 1 is poised to hit an all time high.