Williams retain Karthikeyan for 2007

Karthikeyan will remain as one of the team's test drivers in 2007, having joined Williams this year from Jordan.

"Next year will be an important year for Williams with the transition to Toyota power and so it is now clear that we will be well positioned with the continuity and benefit of Narain's experience," said team boss Frank Williams.

"His appointment is extremely popular within the team because he is hard working, conscientious and capable in the car. It is also significant that Narain carries with him India's growing Formula One interests, which is very exciting."

Karthikeyan, his country's first Formula One driver, was happy to stay on at Williams.

"Naturally as a racing driver, my first priority is to compete, but I would far rather test with a leading team than accept a race seat that offered no real potential to learn and develop," he said.

"Next season is extremely important for Williams with the new partners at Toyota. Williams is a team that exists only to race and I hope that whatever I can contribute to this ultimate objective will be valued by the team."