Occasional Formula One driver Karun Chandhok has admitted that he is "mentally preparing" for another season in a reserve driver role for the 2012 season, with the Indian driver struggling with the lack of race drivers available.
After competing in the 2010 season for half the year with HRT, Chandhok moved to Team Lotus as a reserve driver for 2011.
His on-track appearances, however, were limited to the occasional appearance in Friday practice and one race in Germany when he replaced Jarno Trulli.
The 2012 grid is now nearly filled, with only two seats remaining at Williams and Chandhok's former employers HRT respectively.
Williams have not been linked with Chandhok throughout the silly season so far, while without a major influx of sponsor money, a return to HRT is unlikely.
And Chandhok has admitted to the Indian media that he is likely to remain as a reserve driver for 2012.
"I am mentally preparing myself to continue as a test driver for another season," he told the Press Trust of India this week.
He went on: "As of now, most of the teams have announced their list of drivers for the 2012 season.
"There are only two slots up for grabs — one with the Williams and other with HRT. So the situation is a bit difficult but I am ready to work hard."
He admitted that the main issue was the lack of funds to back himself up with.
“Now the F1 teams are also looking at drivers, who can essentially bring them good sponsorship money. It’s indeed a tough situation," he lamented.
Chandhok's most likely solution for 2012 would be to remain with the newly-renamed Caterham team as their reserve.
The team has already confirmed that they will retain Trulli alongside Heikki Kovalainen for 2012.
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