SPORTS/Karthikeyan to practice in Singapore and race in India

Narain Karthikeyan made his F1 debut with Jordan in 2005

Narain Karthikeyan will make a race return for Hispania at the inaugural Indian GP on 30 October.

The 34-year-old Indian will have some advance cockpit time during Friday practice at next week's Singapore GP.

Karthikeyan contested the first half of the season for the team before making way for Daniel Ricciardo.

"It is great to have Narain back in the car as it will give him critical seat time before he drives the Indian GP," said team boss Colin Kolles.

Karthikeyan added: "The team assured me I'd be driving in India when I stepped out of my seat after the European GP."

The 34-year-old Karthikeyan made his F1 debut with Jordan in 2005, when he finished fourth at the US Grand Prix. He joined Hispania at the beginning of the season after a five-year F1 absence.

Karthikeyan's milestone moments

• Finished fourth for Jordan as only six cars finished US GP
• Set new record for lowest placed finisher in 23rd place at Chinese GP in April
• Broke record by finishing 24th at Valenica in June amid race with no retirements

Karthikeyan stepped down to make way for the rookie Australian Ricciardo after the European GP at Valencia in June.

"It's a great feeling to be driving on a grand prix weekend once again," Karthikeyan said. "The Singapore street circuit will definitely be a challenge. It's new to me and very demanding physically because of the high speed, the temperature, humidity and extreme bumps.

"It will go a long way to getting me back in the rhythm for the Indian GP. It will be a dream come true to race in front of a home crowd there."

As a night race, the Singapore GP around the Marina Bay circuit is unique on the F1 calendar.

With Team Lotus expected to give Karun Chandhok a second race at his home event in Dehli, the Indian GP looks set to boast two home drivers.