Karthikeyan still hoping for F1 return

The 30-year-old became India's first Formula One driver in 2005 when he signed for Jordan, stoking ambitions in the fast lane for the nation with a booming economy and youngsters looking to pick up sports other than cricket.

His tenure with Jordan proved unproductive, however, and a two-year testing role with Williams gave him few opportunities.

Karthikeyan secured the first race win for Team India in the A1GP series in China last week.

He was glad to display his skills after years of frustration, but was at pains to explain his ambitions as a Formula One driver were still burning.

"I was just doing testing and had ample time on my side so I wanted a challenge to keep racing," he told Reuters.

"This A1GP victory is very essential, so that you can shut up the critics," he said. "F1 is not the end of the world, I still have time on my side."

Karthikeyan said he was not keen on a testing role and wanted at least to be considered as the third driver.

"Definitely, there is an unfinished business in F1," he said. "There is still (time), it will happen sooner rather than later.

"A1GP for me is not a step back, only a step to the side. I race as hard as possible and try and achieve the best."

Karthikeyan's subdued F1 stint has disappointed millions of home fans, although it has triggered tremendous interest in motor sport in the country.

Indian businessman Vijay Mallya has become co-owner of the Spyker team, renaming it Force India, and the nation is due to stage its first Grand Prix in New Delhi in 2010.

Youngster Karun Chandhok is also bidding to emulate Karthikeyan by shining in the GP2 feeder series after a test drive with Red Bull last month.

Karthikeyan dismissed critics who feel his future as a Formula One driver was in doubt because of his age.

"There are lot of drivers who are past 33 in F1," he said. "I just rubbish that thing about age. If you're 37 or 38 then you have a reason.

"This is just speculation and some cynicism from people."