Karun Chandhok was signed as Team Lotus’ third driver in 2011. As such, he took part to some Friday practice sessions and was even promoted to a racing seat in Germany.
Season review :
Chandhok made his debut as Team Lotus reserve driver in Australia. It was pretty embarrassing as he crashed his car on the installation lap. He learned his lessons and made sure not to repeat such a mistake afterwards.
During the course of the season, he appeared in Friday practice on eight occasions. He was given the opportunity to contest the German Grand Prix in place of Jarno Trulli. He qualified in 20th position, less than a second behind Heikki Kovalainen, and finished the race in 20th position, behind the Virgins and Ricciardo’s HRT.
The Indian was hopeful of contesting the Indian Grand Prix but the team ultimately decided against it as it didn’t want to jeopardize its tenth place in the constructors’ championship. Chandhok was obviously disappointed but gracefully acknowledged the team’s decision.
Conclusion:
Karun Chandhok was given very few opportunities to show his potential this season. We shouldn’t see him on the grid next year but he could still be in the paddock as a reserve driver.
Highs:
— Good performance in qualifying in Germany
Lows :
— Crashed during his installation lap in Australia
Nextgen-Auto.com marks:
— Olivier Ferret : 8/20
— D.Thys : 10/20
— Sandrine Bouchard : 11/20
— Jean-Michel Setbon : 7/20
— Average mark on the forum Nextgen-Auto.com : 5/20
— Total : 41/100