Chandhok admits aim for 2012 Team Lotus race seat

Karun Chandhok on Thursday set out his stall for a full-time race seat at Team Lotus for 2012.

Finn Heikki Kovalainen is regarded as a favourite of the Tony Fernandes-led squad, while the Malaysian businessman at the Nurburgring revealed that talks to renew Jarno Trulli’s contract have already commenced.

But at the same time, Chandhok has been drafted into Trulli’s race seat at the Nurburgring, raising the Indian reserve driver’s hopes that he can expect a regular ride next season.

"I would really like to be with Team Lotus next year, it would be great to contest a full season with them," said the 27-year-old, according to German reports.

"I think Tony said earlier that one day he would like an Asian in the lineup," added Chandhok.