HRT return for Chandhok not imminent

It is believed Karun Chandhok will not return to the Hispania cockpit until at least the end of October.

In Belgium this weekend, the Indian rookie is missing his third consecutive grand prix, with successor Sakon Yamamoto reportedly wielding more lucrative sponsors.

According to the rumour mill at Spa-Francorchamps, Chandhok’s sojourn will definitely be prolonged throughout the forthcoming Monza, Singapore, Suzuka and Korean rounds.

That leaves just Brazil and the Abu Dhabi finale.

The 26-year-old, in Belgium on Friday on radio commentary duties for the BBC, is signed up to demonstrate a Red Bull in Korea’s new Yeongam circuit next Saturday.

"It was a while since I drove an F1 car so I decided why not," Chandhok said.

And the rumours suggest that, at Suzuka two weeks prior to the inaugural Korean grand prix, Chandhok will once again be on PR duties for the energy drink-owned team.

HRT is refusing to divulge its driver plans for the rest of the season, but Chandhok is confident he might return before the end.

"The reasons (for missing races) seem fairly obvious but at the end of the day, the team has its reasons, financial or circumstantial," he said.

He thinks he might return to the grid for "two or three races".

"I think I will do two or three races before the end of the year but honestly, our focus has now shifted to 2011," said Chandhok.

"Over the summer break, we spent time discussing future options and I’m quite optimistic. We’re looking in good shape for 2011," he revealed.

He ruled out a switch to Force India.

"I’m not a part of their future plans and a racing seat is not available there anyway," said Chandhok.