Chandhok edging closer to Lotus deal

The Indian has made no secret of the fact that he would like a role with Team Lotus and, although no deal has been agreed, he is involved in ongoing negotiations about a tie-up.

Speaking to AUTOSPORT about the latest situation, Chandhok said: "At the moment I am still in discussions. Nothing is confirmed yet, and I have come here to see how the team works and to have a catch up with Tony Fernandes and Mike Gascoyne.

"Of course it would be nice to have a continued role in F1, but there is nothing finalised yet."

Team Lotus owner Tony Fernandes said that there was a definite interest in Chandhok, but made it clear he was in no rush to appoint a firm reserve driver.

"Karun is here as a guest," he told AUTOSPORT. "Again I am not somebody who is going to rush into things.

"We want a reserve driver who is going to be good for us, and Karun is definitely on the list. For me, I want it to be a team effort, and I want the team to feel comfortable.

"I want everyone to feel good about it, and I think the reserve driver has to contribute. Today is for him to see what the team is like.

"I think he likes us a lot, and he would! I want the team to also gel with him. He is a good lad, he can add a lot of value to the team. I would like Karun to be involved with us in some way shape or form."