Team Lotus have named Karun Chandhok as their reserve driver for the 2011 Formula One season.
Former Hispania driver appointed as Lotus back-up
Team Lotus have named Karun Chandhok as their reserve driver for the 2011 Formula One season.
Chandhok, who raced for Hispania during the first half of last season before losing his seat, will start his duties at the first race of the season in Australia this weekend.
The Indian will drive in the first practice session on Friday and is expected to take part in numerous other sessions throughout the season.
"I've been talking to the team for quite a while about a role with them and I'm delighted we're now able to confirm that I will be driving for Team Lotus in 2011," Chandhok said.
Passionate
"The details of exactly which sessions I will be in the car for are being worked out now and after having spent some time with them at the recent pre-season tests I can see exactly how passionate everyone in Team Lotus is about taking this team back to the top of the F1 grid.
"These are very exciting times for Team Lotus and it's a real honour to be able to play a part in helping shape this team's future."
Team boss Tony Fernandes added: "This is another great day for Team Lotus.
"Karun's appointment to our team gives us not only his immense driving talent and F1 experience, both of which will help us develop the car even further, but also brings one of the warmest, most professional personalities I have the pleasure of knowing into the Team Lotus family."
Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen will continue as the team's race drivers for the upcoming campaign.
