Both HRT's Narain Karthikeyan and Team Lotus driver Karun Chandhok have said that they savoured their chance to drive in front of their home fans for the first ever time during Friday practice at the new Indian Grand Prix.
Karthikeyan will drive for HRT throughout the Indian GP weekend at the new Buddh International Circuit, while Chandhok was given a FP1 cameo for Lotus.And while neither driver set the timesheets alight, both said that they loved their first moments in front of the patriotic home crowd at the Delhi track.
Karthikeyan, who ended 22nd in FP1 before finishing 24th in FP2, said that his first lap had felt "special", and said that he was happy to be back in an F1 car.
"The first lap was very special; I felt so many emotions driving in India," Karthikeyan, who is returning for a one-off appearance for HRT in place of Tonio Liuzzi, grinned.
"I just couldn't believe it and there were so many things running through my head."
He added: "In the first practice we were just trying to get into the swing of things and the second one went much better and we have a lot of things to try for tomorrow.
"Overall it was a good session for me, considering I haven't driven a full race distance since July, so the body needs to wake up a bit."
Meanwhile Chandhok, who set the first-ever timed lap of the Buddh circuit in FP1, added that he was 'honoured' to get the chance to drive at the circuit, even if it had just been for a single session.
"It felt great to finally be able to drive an F1 car here at the Buddh International Circuit, and it was a real honour to be the first car to set a timed lap in front of the fans," he smiled after the session.
"I want to thank the team for giving me that chance, and everyone at the Jaypee Group and all the people involved in helping create the first ever Indian Grand Prix for doing such a great job on the whole event."
He added: "In the car I was pretty pleased with how it went today. We completed most of the morning programme and without the yellow flags at the end of the session I'm pretty sure there was another second in hand on my final lap time.
"The track itself is really enjoyable to drive, particularly the middle section which is very quick, and as it evolves and the times keep coming down I think we'll see some very good racing here all weekend."
Chandhok ended his single session in 19th place for the Team Lotus squad, having replaced Heikki Kovalainen for the session.
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