Naran May be for Force India 2011

Five years after his last Formula One drive, Narain Karthikeyan is working hard to return to the sport's biggest stage.

The 33-year-old was not keen on a comeback this season, though his sponsors were ready to back him, as he did not find driving for a back-end team very appealing.

But with India hosting its first F1 race near Delhi next year, the temptation is just too hard to resist.

The news going around is that Narain is in talks with Vijay Mallya's Force India and has approached the Silverstone-based team with $8 million in his bag.

“I cannot confirm or deny these things. We are in talks with a couple of teams,” said Yohan Setna, who handles Narain's commercial affairs, on Wednesday evening.

“But the $8 million figure looks a bit funny.”

Strong Possibility

There is also a strong possibility that Mallya's United Breweries Group itself could back Narain which, if it happens, could be a very smart move. Tata and Bharat Petroleum, among the corporate majors which supported him in his debut F1 drive, are likely to back him next season too.

Having an Indian driver will also make Force India more attractive for sponsors. There were rumours linking Sutil to Renault next season while Luizzi seems to have a long-term contract in Mallya's team. Di Resta too has also looked very promising in Friday practice.

But Force India's CEO Otmar Szafnauer said “there is a seat available” in an interview early this month, raising hope all over.

Karun Chandhok appeared to be a contender for the berth, but the initial euphoria over his F1 debut vanished soon after his team, Hispania Racing, began dropping him for races.

Not uncomfortable

Despite being away for so long, Narain does not feel that he would be uncomfortable in F1.

“I'm the only Indian driver to have won many races at the highest levels of international motorsport.

“I'm in the best physical shape I've ever been in my career, so I have absolutely no doubts that I can still deliver good results in F1,” said Narain.

So, what sort of preparations will he be putting in over the next few months, in case he gets an F1 drive? Or is he already doing them?

“I never stopped doing them. However, F1 does require some specific muscle development, so I will be modifying my fitness regimen to take care of those differences.”

Source: The Hindu