Berlin, Jul 21: India's Karun Chandhok, will replace his Team Lotus colleague Jarno Truli, in the Formula One German Grand Prix on Jul 24. Trulli stepped aside and gave up his race seat, a move many see as part of a strategy to provide Chandhok some practice to help him prepare for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in October.

Chandhok, has spent much of the 2011 season as a reserve driver for Team Lotus and has had some occasional outings during Friday practice sessions.

A visibly elated Chandhok was quoted as saying, "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."

He added, "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, 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."

The chance to race means Chandhok will be back on the racing grid after nearly a year's break. The 27-year old from Chennai said, "Whatever happens, I am very excited about lining up on the grid 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."

Truli, on his part promised to help Chandhok and was quoted as saying, "I am looking forward to working with Karun this weekend and doing whatever I can to help him get the most out of his opportunity here."

He added, "It is great that the team is true to its word of helping develop young talent, particularly from parts of the world where it is even harder to break through into the top rung of motorsport, so I will be there to give him guidance and assistance, in and out of the car."

OneIndia News