Jarno Trulli Extends Team Lotus Contract, Where Will Karun Chandhok Be In 2012?

I wrote a similar piece at the start of the 2011 Formula1 Season explaining various options that Karun Chandhok would have for the season. You can read the post here: Where Will Karun Chandhok Be In 2011?

Hours before the Italian Grand Prix start, Jarno Trulli and Team Lotus announced an extension to their contract till the end of the 2012 Formula1 season. This announcement was after much speculation that Trulli would retire at the end of the 2011 season and leave a vacant seat at Team Lotus. This seat was expected to be filled by Team Lotus reserve drivers Karun Chandhok or Fairuz Fauzy.

However, Trulli’s contract extension is good news for the Italian Formula1 fans and of course for Team Lotus. Trulli’s experience is much needed by the Malaysian racing team to develop their car and team infrastructure as they aim to establish themselves a mid-grid team next year.

Trulli’s extension also leads me to one important question – ‘Where will Karun Chandhok be in 2012’? While I hope that he graduates to a race seat with one of the teams and competes in a full Formula1 season, current trends lead me to believe that he will spend the 2012 Formula1 season as a test driver for Team Lotus Racing.

Where do you think Karun Chandhok will be in 2012? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Kunal Shah is an FIA-accredited Formula 1 journalist who has been reporting on Formula 1 for nearly two decades. He worked with the Force India Formula 1 Team for 6 seasons in Marketing, Sponsorship and Commercial roles. As a former single-seater racer, he was responsible for Force India's grassroots talent program, One from a Billion Hunt. Presently, he co-writes a regular Formula 1 column for Firstpost, speaks on Inside Line F1 Podcast & Pits to Podium and produces broadcast/OTT content for NENT Group (Viasport & Viaplay).

3 comments On Jarno Trulli Extends Team Lotus Contract, Where Will Karun Chandhok Be In 2012?

  • Same spot if lucky. One Race – india thats it.
    I think hes better off in GP2. unless he gets bigger sponsors and moves to better engine its very very diff!

  • Karun’s got time on his side. Just wait out another year, Trulli will retire, and then the seat is his. After that its up to him. Patience is key for Karun, its not a race to get into formula 1, it only becomes a race once your in and Karun is still young(ish). Same with Senna, he had to be patient but he’s in there now. It will happen for Karun if he’s patient.

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