» Sponsorship boost for Karthikeyan

Narain Karthikeyan’s return to the HRT cockpit for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix seems all but assured after car group Hero Motors announced that it would be sponsoring the 34-year-old ahead of the New Delhi event.

After contesting eight Grands Prix for the Spanish squad this year, Karthikeyan was sidelined in favour of Red Bull-backed Daniel Ricciardo from the British Grand Prix onwards.

Despite a return to racing duties being mooted for his home race, the team’s new owners, Thesan Capital, have remained silent on the matter. However, it would seem that this announcement may shortly precede a formal confirmation from the team management.

“Hero Motors is committed to be amongst the first Indian corporate houses to compete in the Indian Grand Prix and we are indeed very proud to be associated with Narain Karthikeyan and HRT,” a statement from Pankaj Munjal, Hero Motors’ Managing Director, reads.

“The alliance with the HRT will provide a unique platform for the group to communicate its extensive of competencies to a global audience.”

Meanwhile, rumours that Karthikeyan’s compatriot, Karun Chandhok, will also be on the Indian Grand Prix grid are neither being confirmed nor denied by the Team Lotus camp.

[Original image via The Cahier Archive]