The HRT Formula One team celebrated the recent passing of Groundhog Day by signing up Narain Karthikeyan out of nowhere for the second year in a row, the Indian driver set to partner Pedro de la Rosa next season.
Karthikeyan's signing completes the 2012 grid, with the second HRT seat having been the sole remaining drive still available for this coming season.
The Indian driver raced for the backmarkers for the first half of 2011, before being dropped for Red Bull rookie Daniel Ricciardo.
He then made a one-off return to the team for the Indian Grand Prix last October.
Speaking after his confirmation on Friday, Karthikeyan said that he was "elated" to have secured another season in Formula One, having previously raced for Jordan in 2004.
"It has taken a lot of hard work to make this happen but I am absolutely elated to feature on the 2012 grid with HRT F1 team," he bellowed excitedly.
"I was pleased with our strong performance at the Indian Grand Prix, in front of my passionate home fans and I look forward to building on this result in 2012."
He went on: "I have been training hard since the end of 2011, ensuring I was ready for the rigours of F1 if an opportunity arose.
"I am delighted to have signed with HRT F1 Team. With the new management, Pedro, and the team, there is definite potential for progress."
He added that he hoped his position on the grid would help "build momentum" in India for the sport, after the first-ever Indian GP last year was well-received.
"We need to understand that F1 is new to India, we hosted our first race only last year which was a resounding success," he grinned.
"To build on that momentum, an Indian driver will certainly keep the interest engaged throughout the season.
"I am proud to secure an opportunity to forge a stronger connection between India and Formula 1 once again."
HRT team boss Luiz Perez-Sala said that he was expecting the team's new driver to give the team "continuity and stability" in 2012.
"I am pleased to count [on] Narain for this season, as he will contribute continuity and stability," the new team boss beamed.
"He is a quick, intuitive and secure driver who met his expectations despite a lack of continuity last year.
"Of the eight Grands Prix he contested in 2011, he only failed to finish on one occasion and had a great performance in the last race he took part in."
He went on: "I'm sure that the fact that he will continue to work and drive on a regular basis will help him take a step forward this season. And if he advances, so does the team.
"This is a year in which you could say that the team starts from scratch and everyone's input will be fundamental."
HRT have still not confirmed a launch date for their 2012 car, but are expected to attend next week's Jerez test with their 2011 machine.
The Spanish squad have insisted their aim is to roll out their 2012 machine for the second test in Barcelona, starting on February 21st.
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