Karthikeyan nurses hopes of return to Formula One

Indian Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan said he had gained much in his testing role for Williams and hoped that would help him regain a racing slot for 2007.

"I'm happy at the moment with Williams," he told reporters.

"Whatever they promised with testing and miles and everything, it is going pretty well. I've understood a lot more about a Formula One racing car.

"Like any other driver, it is good to be associated with a big team and I hope my future is here."

Karthikeyan, 29, became India's first Formula One driver with Jordan (now Midland) last year and scored points when he finished fourth in the six-car US Grand Prix.

However, he failed to retain his seat and was signed by Williams as a second test driver. As a rookie, Karthikeyan faced criticism that he was fast but inconsistent.

Switches among the top drivers expected for 2007 have also kept alive his ambitions of finding a racing slot.

"I'm excited," he said. "There are limited opportunities there, but some still exist.

"A lot of tests are coming up and I'll try and impress the team, but I'm just concentrating on the job on hand.

"I hope I can get a good seat, be it with Williams or somebody else.

"With Williams I'm in a good position," he added. "Obviously, I've always expressed my desire to be coming back and racing on Sundays."

Karthikeyan was speaking at the launch function of this month's national racing championship. He is endorsing two teams in the elite category.