Karun Chandhok plays down Jarno Trulli switch
Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Karun Chandhok has said replacing Jarno Trulli in the Team Lotus car for the German Grand Prix is not ideal, but the pair have a good relationship.
As part of his future development with the team Chandhok will step in for the veteran Italian at the Nurburgring.
"It's never an ideal situation, but we're all professionals, this is Formula 1, it isn't a form of club racing," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.
"Jarno's wished me well, it just shows he's a great team player."
Indian driver Chandhok, 27, has has not competed in F1 since the British Grand Prix last year, after which he was dropped by the Hispania team in favour of Japanese racer Sakon Yamamoto, so he has experience of losing a race seat.
"I know a little bit about these sorts of situations from last year when Hispania had a few driver rotations," he said.
"It's never nice for the person not driving, as I know from last year, but Jarno's a total professional."
The decision to drop Trulli, 37, raised questions over his future with the Norfolk-based outfit.
But team principal Tony Fernandes stated contract negotiations had opened up with the former Renault driver.
Nonetheless, Chandhok is confident he can secure a permanent seat with Team Lotus down the line.
"This weekend's about building foundations for the future hopefully," he explained.
"I'd love to be at the team long term and to have the opportunity to race for the team full-time.
"But as of now it's a one off and I'll quite happily take the weekend."
