From GMM
Some teams did not yet announce their testing drivers, several names are rumoured in Jerez's paddock. Karun Chandhok has refused to confirm reports he has been signed by the hopeful Serbian team Stefan GP. The Swiss magazine Motorsport Aktuell this week said Chandhok, a 26-year-old GP2 driver from India, will be Kazuki Nakajima's teammate if the outfit is granted an official team entry. Chandhok reportedly has $6 million in sponsorship to offer, as well as solid links with Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA, with his father Vicky Chandhok a high-ranking Indian motor racing official. When contacted by DNA India, Chandhok did not deny that he has been in contact with Stefan GP, who intend to field the withdrawn Toyota's 2010 package in 2010. "I am surprised to see the reports emerging, I haven't signed any contract with any team as of now," he said. Germany's motorsport-total.com reports that Chandhok could be Stefan GP's test driver in 2010, with Jacques Villeneuve slated to race alongside Nakajima. "For now it is all speculation, but I wish it comes true. I have been speaking to teams since August 2009 and for now, I have kept my options open," said Chandhok, who is currently in India. His father Vicky Chandhok declined to comment. Christian Klien could become McLaren's new reserve and primary test driver. Rumours at the Jerez test, repeated by the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper, suggest the 27-year-old Austrian is being considered to replace Pedro de la Rosa. Spaniard De la Rosa was McLaren's main tester since 2003, but he is returning to the grid in 2010 with Sauber. Gary Paffett is already a McLaren test driver, but he is staying in the DTM championship this year, moving team boss Martin Whitmarsh to confirm recently that the Woking based outfit needs "another driver". 48 grands prix veteran Klien, most recently the tester at BMW-Sauber and formerly Honda, said last week he is still hoping to find a race seat, but that "another year as a reserve driver would not be a catastrophe". Andy Soucek is set to sign as the new British team Virgin's 2010 reserve driver. The reigning F2 champion, who is 24, said last week: "I think to be third driver is a job I deserve, and I do not have to pay for it. I'm interested in that." The Spanish sports daily AS said Soucek decided to look more closely at Virgin's offer because he "was tired of waiting for Campos". "Andy had no confidence in being able to race all year and (therefore) be out of the grands prix forever," the newspaper added. Virgin's race drivers are Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi. Recent Articles
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