Monza could be Chandhok’s last race with HRT

Speculation persists that rookie Karun Chandhok could be set to lose his race seat at HRT.

It was rumoured recently that the 26-year-old Indian’s sponsor money is drying up, putting his job in danger even before the 2010 season is finished.

The German publication Speedweek reported from Valencia that September’s Italian grand prix at Monza could be Chandhok’s last race.

"I want to go until the end of the season, I think the team is satisfied with me," Chandhok is quoted as responding.

"Should there be a change, it will not be my decision," he added.

Chandhok has openly suggested that moving to Force India would make good commercial sense both for himself and for Vijay Mallya’s team.

But owner and boss Mallya said in Valencia he is looking elsewhere for an Indian driver.

"I’ve got to start looking for somebody really young - amongst 1.2 billion people there’s got to be a Lewis Hamilton somewhere.

"It’s like trying to pick a needle from a haystack, but we are now going to launch a nationwide programme in India to identify young talent and this is a pretty complex exercise," added billionaire Mallya.