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Formula One
F1: Karthikeyan Fills Final 2012 Seat At HRT
Narain Karthikeyan's return to a HRT race seat completes the 24-driver F1 grid for 2012...
Adam Cooper  | http://www.speedtv.com  |  Posted February 03, 2012   Balen (BEL)
Narain Karthikeyan will compete for HRT in 2012. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
Narain Karthikeyan has been confirmed for the second HRT seat, alongside Pedro de la Rosa.

The Indian was dropped by the team in favor of Daniel Ricciardo halfway through last year, but returned to drive in his home event in Delhi.

He was hopeful of finding sponsorship for 2012 – given the boost in interest in India that weekend – and he appears to have done just that.

The Spanish team, which is clearly in urgent need of funding, said that he was re-hired on the basis of “the principle of continuity contributing to the stability and reliability of the team and, at the same time, offering Narain Karthikeyan the necessary confidence to progress.”

Karthikeyan won’t drive until the second test at Barcelona at the end of this month, although it’s not clear whether the 2012 car will be ready by then.

Karthikeyan said: “It has taken a lot of hard work to make this happen but I am absolutely elated to feature on the 2012 grid with HRT F1 Team. I was pleased with our strong performance at the Indian Grand Prix, in front of my passionate home fans, and I look forward to building on this result in 2012. I have been training hard since the end of 2011, ensuring I was ready for the rigors of F1 if an opportunity arose. I am delighted to have signed with HRT F1 Team.

“With the new management, Pedro, and the team, there is definite potential for progress. We need to understand that F1 is new to India, we hosted our first race only last year which was a resounding success. To build on that momentum, an Indian driver will certainly keep the interest engaged throughout the season. I am proud to secure an opportunity to forge a stronger connection between India and Formula One once again."

Team boss Luis Perez Sala added: “I am pleased to count with Narain for this season, as he will contribute continuity and stability. He is a quick, intuitive and secure driver who met his expectations despite a lack of continuity last year.

“Of the eight Grands Prix he contested in 2011, he only failed to finish on one occasion and had a great performance in the last race he took part in. I’m sure that the fact that he will continue to work and drive on a regular basis will help him take a step forward this season. And if he advances, so does the team. This is a year in which you could say that the team starts from scratch and everyone’s input will be fundamental.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.
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