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F1: Karun Chandhok to test Friday, Pedro De La Rosa on standby

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Karun Chandhok will contest the Friday morning practice session for Team Lotus at Valencia.

The Indian is the team's official reserve driver, appearing at the wheel of the T128 previously in 2011 for initial practice in Australia and Turkey.

"I have not had much running in the car and my aim will be to get more comfortable with the car and add as much value as I can to the team," he said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Pedro de la Rosa has revealed he has "no idea" if he will be called up by Sauber to race on the streets of Valencia this weekend.

The veteran Spaniard, who is McLaren's reserve driver, was called up at the last minute in Canada almost two weeks ago when Sauber regular Sergio Perez fell ill after Friday morning practice.

Sauber managing director Monisha Kaltenborn this week then said that although Mexican rookie Perez, 21, is now fully recovered from his Monaco qualifying crash, 40-year-old de la Rosa is once again on standby.

"I am being constantly asked if I'm going to race in this (European) grand prix, and actually I don't have the faintest idea," said de la Rosa on Wednesday.

"I would like to clarify that I am McLaren's reserve driver and indebted to them before any other team.

"Whatever happens depends on if McLaren lets me, and actually I don't want to speculate as I find it a lack of respect for Sergio Perez, who has said he is perfectly well," he added.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada