India's Chandhok reserve place in F1 as Team Lotus’s reserve driver

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India's Karun Chandhok has been confirmed as reserve driver for the CNN-sponsored Team Lotus ahead of the 2011 Formula One season.

Chandhok, 27, will join first-choice drivers Heikki Kovalainen of Finland and Italian Jarno Trulli at the British-based team.

The former Hispania Racing driver, who competed in 10 grand prixs for the Spanish team last season, will make his Lotus bow in Friday's practice session ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

"I've been talking to the team for quite a while about a role with them and I'm delighted we're now able to confirm that I will be driving for Team Lotus in 2011," Chandhok said in a Lotus press release.

"After having spent some time with them at the recent pre-season tests, I can see exactly how passionate everyone in Team Lotus is about taking this team back to the top of the Formula One grid.

"These are very exciting times for Team Lotus and it's a real honor to be able to play a part in helping shape this team's future."

The Malaysian-backed outfit completed their debut season in the sport last year and beat fellow newcomers Virgin and Hispania to 10th position in the 12-team constructors' standings.

Team principal Tony Fernandes hailed Chandhok's arrival and highlighted the various attributes the Chennai-born driver will bring to Lotus.

"Karun's appointment to our team gives us not only his immense driving talent and F1 experience... but also brings one of the warmest, most professional personalities I have the pleasure of knowing into the Team Lotus family.

"I do not think it is going too far to say that Karun represents the future of motor racing. He is living proof that geography is no boundary to talent and ambition and that you will succeed if you work hard and keep dreaming.

"I am honored that Team Lotus is now giving one of India's brightest stars the chance to continue to develop his talent. Everyone in the team is excited about working with Karun, and I cannot wait to see him representing the Indian nation in our car."