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Indian Karun Chandhok will replace Jarno Trulli at Team Lotus for this weekend’s German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.
The now 27-year-old Chandhok ran a half-season with Hispania last year and has acted as third driver for Team Lotus thus far in 2011.
“Ever since I first joined the team I have been looking forward to this opportunity and I am determined to do my best to repay their faith in me and help the team progress, this season and for many years to come,” said Chandhok.
“I am approaching the weekend in a very realistic frame of mind. I will be doing my best to push and to make sure I learn as much as possible all weekend, take each session as it comes and work as closely as I can with the engineers and the whole team to do the best job I can.
“Whatever happens, I am very excited about lining up on the grid on Sunday and I know there will be millions of Indian fans, and Team Lotus fans around the world, who will be behind me and the whole team, so I will do the best I can to give them something to cheer for.”
According to team boss Tony Fernandes, Trulli – who has struggled with the T128’s power steering system this year – will be on hand this weekend to help Chandhok, and may yet be retained for 2012.
“I want to take this chance to thank Jarno for helping make Karun’s opportunity this weekend possible,” said Fernandes.
“He has been extremely accommodating in stepping to the side for this race and our commitment to him is unwavering.
“I am delighted to confirm that we are in the process of negotiating an extension to his contract with us and we are all looking forward to unveiling the details of that very soon.
“He is a key member of our team and I hope that we can give him a car as soon as possible that allows him to utilise his considerable talent to the full.
“For this weekend he will be on hand to lend his huge experience and support to Karun and I am sure Jarno, Heikki and Karun will do me, the whole team and all our fans very proud indeed.”
See below for Speedcafe.com’s Nurburgring Race Guide
