Karthikeyan hopes to revive his career

"It's a better opportunity for sure," the 29-year-old Chennai driver, who raced for Jordan last year, told reporters after being confirmed as Williams's second test driver at the launch of their new car on Friday.

"To go out of Formula One and come back is very difficult these days because the opportunities are very limited," Karthikeyan added.

"So to be involved with a good team is the right career move for me for the long term future.

"Anything is possible in F1. Certainly as a racing driver you want to race and I'll do all the right things to make it happen."

The Indian said he had been speaking to team boss Frank Williams since last year's Spanish Grand Prix, the fifth race of the season.

In the end, the well-funded driver lost out to McLaren's Austrian Alex Wurz for the main reserve slot.

Karthikeyan said his debut season, in which he became the first Indian to race and score points in Formula One, had made a massive impact at home even if not everyone understood he had no chance of winning.

"In December when I was second quickest in testing overall (for Williams), that made a huge difference in India," he added. "Now they understand that it's more than just the driver but the package. That's why it was important for me to make the next step to go forward."

He hoped also that India would host a Grand Prix one day. "The government has to take a look at Formula One. We are competing with China in terms of economy and to have a high-profile event like this would definitely boost the image of the region and they should seriously consider this," he said.

"India's a big market. Many multinationals are now in India and there are many sponsors involved in Formula One so it would be great to showcase this event in India.

"I think the chances are pretty bright but I can't say it will happen next year or in three years. It will take its own time.

"The understanding of the sport is massively better now... if this trend continues we can educate the right people and it should be possible."