Karun Chandhok's motor racing career has received a much needed fillip in the form of a drive in the all new Formula Asia Renault V6 series.
The 22-year-old Chennai lad will be driving Korea-based E-Rain Racing in the series that will start with its first race at the Sepang F1 circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 13-14.
Seven teams of 14 cars, fitted with 3500cc Renault V6 engines, will compete in races in Zhuhai (China), Sentul (Indonesia), Taichung (Taiwan) and possibly in Bahrain.
For Chandhok, who suffered setbacks with both the Renault World Series and the A1 Grand Prix last year for various reasons, the drive should keep him in news.
Chandhok said racing in Asia, after having competed in British F3 (2003-'4) and Nissan World Series (2004) was not a step down.
"This is not a step down for me. It is a side step. The series is of F2 level with cars similar to those of the World Series. This is the best option for me," he said.
"To be in Europe is always beneficial. And the Renault V6 is a new concept, so it is a bit of a gamble.
"But if you look at the credentials of the people behind the series, their pedigree, then this not a bad move at all."
Chandhok said the team, run by Hongsik Jeon, had a funding of Rs. 1.8-2 crore and the promoters of the series were looking at a race in India next year.
Asked where his future lay, Chandhok said the ultimate goal was "some sort of opportunity in Formula One".
"The immediate next step is Grand Prix 2 but the budget there would be about Rs. 9 crore, or 1.2-million euros. That is a massive step up from the current series," he said.
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