New Delhi: Narain Karthikeyan says being a second test driver may not give him the visibility that he would have got while driving on 19 race weekends but working with a top team is bound to pay in the long run in Formula One.
Karthikeyan impressed Williams during pre-season testings in December, and although he was involved in negotiations with Super Aguri F1, a new Japanese team with F1 aspiration, he chose to go with nine-time champions.
The 29-year old Coimbatore resident, whose F1 career seemed to have run into desert sand when his former team Jordan, now known as Midlands F1, decided not to renew his contract, said it was a career decision to join Williams and he was happy with it.
"Sure I wanted to race, that is what every driver wants to do. But there are limited opportunities in Formula One and to get a step up somewhere is difficult. Thankfully I have got that first step with Williams. In the short term it might not look good but it is definitely going to benefit me in the long term. I had to think in terms of my career," Karthikeyan said.
Karthikeyan said there was never any doubt in his mind about his future, nor was he disappointed that the official test and reserve driver's role went to Austrian Alex Wurz.
"As a driver, maybe. But as a professional not," he said. "I knew I had a chance after the tests in December. I was pretty quick and was second in timings. I had no doubts in my mind, it just took some time. Wurz has a lot of experience. I know I made the right decision for my future."
In essence, the Indian has opted to serve in heaven instead of ruling in hell. He might have got to race on Sundays by staying with a low rung team but the experience and lessons gained by driving an advanced car and working in a professional atmosphere of a proven team is something no money is going to buy.
"Working with a top team, I can learn a lot more. I did learn a lot last year but this year it is going to be in different areas," Karthikeyan said.
"I have to concentrate on my fitness. I have to develop the right communications with the drivers, I will be a simulator in the factory."
He may not be seen on television racing alongside Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, but Karthikeyan sure has a demanding work schedule ahead.
"As a test driver, I have a nine to six job. I have to help in the development of the car which is an important role," he said.
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