Chandhok replaces Trulli in Germany

Team Lotus has today announced that for the German Grand Prix Karun Chandhok will be replacing the veteran Jarno Trulli onboard their F1 car.

Having been placed as Lotus's reserve driver for the 2011 season, the second Indian driver to race in Formula 1 after Narain Karthikeyan had the opportunity to ride the team’s car in the practice sessions for the Australian, Turkish, European and British Grands Prix.

Chandhok’s F1 history is a short one until now. Last year he made his debut in grand prix as HRT’s driver, but he was replaced by Japanese Sakon Yamamoto after the British Grand Prix.

Chandhok said: "Firstly I want to thank Tony Fernandes, Kamarudin Meranun and SM Nasarudin for giving me the chance to race this weekend for Team Lotus.”

The Indian driver adds, "Ever since I first joined the team I have been looking forward to this opportunity and I am determined to do my best to repay their faith in me and help the team progress, this season and for many years to come. I am approaching the weekend in a very realistic frame of mind.”

Chandhok wants to do make the better use of this opportunity gave to him by Team Lotus. He says he wants to learn as much as possible and to work closely with engineers and the rest of the team to achieve the best result possible.

"Whatever happens, I am very excited about lining up on the grid on Sunday and I know there will be millions of Indian fans, and Team Lotus fans around the world, who will be behind me and the whole team, so I will do the best I can to give them something to cheer for."

This is not a surprise decision from Lotus as Trulli has been having a difficult season. He has until now failed to get the best performance from the car struggling with power steering, which the Italian says doesn't give him enough feedback.

Although he expected the introduction of updates in the Hungarian, the Italian sees himself pulled out of the Team Lotus F1 car but he will be there to support Chandhok.

"I'm looking forward to working with Karun this weekend and doing whatever I can to help him get the most out of his opportunity in Germany," said Trulli.

"It's great that the team is true to its word of helping develop young talent, particularly from parts of the word where it is even harder to break through into the top rung of motorsport, so I'll be there to give him guidance and assistance, in and out of the car."