Karthikeyan re-appointed Williams test driver for next season

Oxford, Sep 28 (UNI) Narain Karthikeyan was today re-appointed as one of Williams official test drivers for the 2007 Formula One season.

Karthikeyan, who joined the squad in 2006, will continue to spearhead the intensive testing programme into 2007 and add a vital element of continuity to the team's test and development programme as WilliamsF1 forms a new technical alliance with Toyota.

As Formula One moves to a single tyre supplier for next season, Narain's detailed Bridgestone experience will be invaluable to the team, given his racing experience with the Toyota-powered Jordan and Bridgestone in 2005 and testing with Williams in 2006.

On confirmation of Narain's re-appointment, WilliamsF1 Team Principal, Frank Williams said, ''Narain's appointment is extremely popular within the team because he is hard working, conscientious and capable in the car. It is also significant that Narain carries with him India's growing Formula One interests, which is very exciting.'' For his part, Karthikeyan responded, ''Naturally as a racing driver, my first priority is to compete, but I would far rather test with a leading team than accept a race seat that offered no real potential to learn and develop.'' UNI XC PM DH KP2015