Karthikeyan eyes Wurz’s seat

(GMM) Secondary team tester Narain Karthikeyan is hoping to replace Alex Wurz when Williams' official 'third' driver moves into the race seat in 2007.

The 29-year-old Indian, who stepped into the sport's background following his unspectacular debut for Jordan in 2005, is reportedly near a deal to land Wurz's job after convincing backer 'Tata' to renew their association with Sir Frank Williams' British team.

Evidence of a burgeoning role for Karthikeyan is his schedule to join Williams' four-day test at Silverstone next week.

He told the Calcutta-based Telegraph newspaper: ''I would like to take Alex Wurz's place.''

The newspaper said that a 'final decision' about Karthikeyan's role for 2007 'should be known sooner than later'.

Narain continued: ''I am in discussions. We will come to know about it in a few weeks' time.''