21/02/2007
NEWS STORY
Narain Karthikeyan will return to driving duties for A1 Team India this weekend, at the A1GP Durban, South Africa. The F1 test driver first drove for India at the New Zealand round in January, where he scored the team's first points in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.
It is a busy week for Karthikeyan, who is also testing for Williams in Valencia as part of his duties as the F1 team's third driver. After completing the two-day test, Karthikeyan will fly straight to South Africa and arrive in Durban on Thursday evening.
The South African circuit is one of the most difficult on the A1GP calendar, with only nine teams finishing last year's Feature race. The 3.28 km long track in the centre of Durban winds around narrow, concrete lined streets, leaving little margin for error.
Karthikeyan said, "I'm delighted to be rejoining the team in South Africa. The New Zealand race was very much a learning process; getting used to the car and the team, and building up data. I've been busy with the Williams F1 Team since then and unfortunately had to miss the last race in Australia. Now I can't wait to get back in the car and represent India in A1GP.
"I've heard that the circuit in Durban has a reputation for being very difficult, but I think my experience around similar circuits such as Macau and Monaco should help me. Hopefully we will be able to build on the progress we made in New Zealand and secure more points this weekend."
A1 Team India Seatholder, Yohann Setna added, "The team is really looking forward to welcoming Narain back into the car on Friday. Durban is a tough circuit and showed last year that it can end even the most experienced driver's race. However, Narain has great experience of street circuits, and I'm sure he will make India proud.
"There's a strong Indian community in Durban, so we expect to see some flags in the grandstand over the weekend. I've already been in touch with some members of the Indian community and I'm sure Narain can expect a great welcome when he arrives."