Following in the footsteps of colleague Narain Karthikeyan, India's next Formula 1 hopeful Karun Chandhok has signed up with RC Motorsport to contest the 2005 World Series.
At the end of last year, Chandhok joined Karthikeyan at RC Motorsport to contest the last four rounds of the World Series and, despite limited practice time, he finished an impressive fourth in the final round of the series in Jerez, after qualifying in the top five.
This was enough to prompt offers from several of the top teams in the World Series but in the end, the Chennai-born driver chose to stick with the Italian squad for the season.
Speaking about his new deal Chandhok said: "I'm very happy to have finally signed with RC. After the limited programme I had with them last year and especially after the final weekend in Jerez, I had discussions with all of the top teams in the World Series and also had offers from teams in Japan, America and Euro Formula 3000 to contest in various championships.
"I chose to stick with the World Series because it is a recognised place for drivers on the route to Formula 1, and in fact, four out of the top six from last year have been rewarded either F1 race or test contracts so it's definitely the place to be."
RC Motorsport's team boss Francesco Ravera was also pleased to continue his association with Indian drivers. "I'm very happy to have Karun with us for the season. He did a good job at the end of last year and was closer to the front than we expected. The World Series is a very tough category, with some very strong drivers and teams so you cannot expect a young driver to come in and win straight away."
Rounds
April 30-May 1: Zolder, Belgium
May 21-22: Monaco (Formula 1 Monte Carlo support race)
June 4-5: Valencia, Spain
July 9-10: Le Mans, France
July 16-17: Bilbao (streets of the city) Spain
August 6-7: Oschersleben, Germany
September 10-11: Donington Park, England
October 1-2: Estoril, Portugal
October 22-23: Monza, Italy.
