Chandok tests with FMS and I-Sport to evaluate 2009 options

Brackley, England, Nov 14 (UNI) Indian driver Karun Chandhok returned to the track for the first time since the final round of the GP2 series in Monza to test with Fisichella Motorsport (FMS) as well as his team I-sport International at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

The Indian, who is now based in the UK, tested with FMS in Jerez in the south of Spain and was one of the surprises of the day finishing with the fifth best time of the afternoon test.

The FMS team is owned by F1 star Giancarlo Fisichella and is backed by the Force India Formula 1 team. The Italian squad hasn't had a strong season in 2008 and were surprised with the test results as well as being very pleased with the progress made.

Speaking after the test, Chandhok said,''I got to know Giancarlo and his manager Enrico Zanarini this year since he has been driving for Force India and they asked if there was a chance to do a test together in their GP2 team.

''I was of course happy to do the test and I am glad that I was able to help them make some progress with the car after what was a difficult year for them. To be ahead of the cars from established top teams like Campos, Racing Engineering and I-Sport for the day was a great encouragement to the guys at FMS and I'm glad that I got to prove I am a front-runner irrespective of the team,'' he added.

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