Karthikeyan to Make F1 Debut

Formula 3 star Narain Karthikeyan will become the first Indian driver to test a Formula One car next month when he shakes down the Jaguar R1B at the Silverstone circuit.

The 23-year old driver, who finished fourth in his second full season in the British Formula 3 Championship this year with the Stewart Racing team, was guaranteed the test drive when he signed the contract at the start of the season.

The Indian will drive the Jaguar car fitted with revised engine and gearbox on 1st December, before the team travels to the Jerez circuit the following week, where Eddie Irvine, Luciano Burti and test driver Tomas Scheckter will take over testing duties.

"It will mean a lot to me," said Karthikeyan. "I have been waiting for this for a long time and if it definitely happens it will be very good for me and good for my country as I will be the first Indian driver to drive an F1 car. I just hope I can prove myself."