Chandhok hopes for 2011 F1 deal before Christmas

Karun Chandhok has clarified that, despite a spate of GP2 testing, he remains committed to returning to formula one in 2011.

The Indian driver tested with his former GP2 team ORT in France last week, and this week in Abu Dhabi he is scheduled to do more running with the team as well as Coloni.

Chandhok, who contested grands prix with HRT early in 2010, said in a statement that the GP2 teams "called on my help" for the testing.

He has said he is in talks about returning to the F1 grid full-time in 2011.

"For me, it’s a good way to learn another new formula one circuit ahead of the 2011 championship and a chance to further knock off the rust," said Chandhok ahead of this week’s Abu Dhabi testing.

"Hopefully we’ll have a final programme in place before the F1 world shuts for Christmas," he added.