Chandhok will drive for Team Lotus as a tester in 2011 - Photo © Team Lotus

Karun Chandhok and Sakon Yamamoto have been handed test roles at Team Lotus and Virgin Racing respectively. Chandhok joins Luiz Razia, Davide Valsecchi and Ricardo Teixeira in the reserve driver roles at the team, and will drive the T128 in the first practice of the year at Melbourne.

The Indian who had F1 race experience for HRT last year commented:

“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. The details of exactly which sessions I will be in the car for are being worked out now and 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 F1 grid.”
Karun Chandhok

Japanese driver Sakon Yamamoto will test for Virgin Racing – albeit only for the first three races of the season.

“I am pleased to work with Marussia Virgin Racing in Australia. I really appreciate them giving me a chance to be here. The team has made a big step forward this year and I believe that I can contribute to their car development through my experience. As everyone is aware it is a very difficult time in Japan right now and any good news is much welcomed. I hope the people back home will feel positive about my latest F1 role as I would like to do everything possible to help them.”
Sakon Yamamoto