Karthikeyan Will Not Leave NASCAR for F1

Narain Karthikeyan insisted that he will not turn his back on NASCAR racing for pursuing his former dream of becoming an F1 driver. Having already established his first few contacts with the world of North American stock car racing, the Indian racer fended off rumors that his recent simulator test with Force India means anything in regards to a potential return to Formula One.

Shortly after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Force India offered the Indian racer the opportunity to test the VJM03 in the simulator. Media reports in his native India hinted that this could mean Karthikeyan is contemplating a potential return to F1, where he used to drive for Jordan back in 2005.

“I did go for a simulator test but that's all that happened,” the Indian driver told the media. “I'm not willing to comment on what happened during and after the tests. I think you should talk to (Vijay) Mallya about the results and my performance.”

The former F1 and A1 GP driver admitted that seeing an Indian driver on the grid of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix – scheduled to take place in 2011 – is a dream for every racer in the country, but insisted that abandoning his NASCAR prospects now would be as much a mistake as it would be a risk.

“I see myself being in this (NASCAR) for some time. Getting out of America and then getting back in is not easy,” said Karthikeyan.

The 33-year old was never in Vijay Mallua's book for a race driver next year anyway, as there are currently a number of talented (Paul di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg) and experienced (Nick Heidfeld) drivers lined up to secure a seat with the Silverstone based team for the year to come. A decision on the team's lineup will likely be made by Christmas.