Karun Chandhok has expressed his optimism ahead of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix following the release of the official 2011 Formula 1 calendar, which confirms that India's first F1 race will take place on Oct. 30 next year.
"This is truly a historic moment for Indian motorsport," Chandhok said. "I am extremely excited to be a part of it."
The second Indian driver to take part in F1 after Narain Karthikeyan, Chandhok is acting as an advisor to the Jaypee group overseeing the construction of the circuit near Delhi.
"I've visited the site a number of times since January and the progress all looks to be on schedule", Chandhok continued. "The Jaypee guys are very serious and they have worked really hard to make the race next year a reality so all credit to them."
Chandhok also expressed his personal pride at potentially being the first Indian to drive in an F1 race on home soil if he gets a 2011 drive.
"To be the first Indian driver on the grid at the Indian GP will be a huge thing to have on my CV," he said. "Hopefully we can attract a whole new set of fans to see the race live and make it a big success."
Chandhok has been without an F1 drive since Sakon Yamamoto replaced him at Hispania ahead of the German Grand Prix in July, and is currently not signed with any team for the 2011 season. Since stepping out of his Hispania seat, Chandhok has visited the site of next month's Korean Grand Prix and recently drove the first lap of the new circuit in a year-old Red Bull car.