Karthikeyan still aiming to remain in F1

The Indian had been expected to land the test role at Williams after testing twice for the team and having substantial sponsorship backing, but the Grove-based outfit swooped for Wurz when it was clear the Austrian was out of contract at McLaren.

That has left Karthikeyan without any chance of a Friday role next year, although there are still likely to be other testing opportunities. Williams are still in discussions with him about a second testing role, while the Indian has also been linked with a role at Red Bull Racing.

Team boss Frank Williams said on Thursday that Karthikeyan, who became his country's first Grand Prix driver when he raced for Jordan last year, could yet play a role for the former champions.

"Alex's appointment as Williams's official test and reserve driver does not necessarily mean that the team has no additional role for Narain," he said. "The team and Narain are still in dialogue and the possibility of a second testing role for him still exists."

Karthikeyan's manager Pier Hunisett believes it is important that his driver maintains a presence in F1 this year so as to keep himself in the shop window for a race drive in 2007.

"The objective for 2006 has to be to keep Narain involved in Formula One throughout this season, as a lot is likely to change for 2007," Hunisett told Autosport. "As long as he keeps his profile up he could be in a good position by the end of the year."