Chandhok to test Team Lotus car

(GMM) Karun Chandhok will test at two forthcoming formula one tests, Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes confirmed on Sunday.

Indian Chandhok, the former HRT driver, was seen wearing a Team Lotus jacket at the opening pre-season test at Valencia last week, amid reports he is a frontrunner to occupy a reserve driver role in 2011.

"We would like him to be reserve driver but we've got to see whether it all works out, that's the plan," team owner Fernandes said from Malaysia after it was announced he has been appointed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).

"He (Chandhok) is going to get a couple of slots in the testing now in Jerez and Barcelona," the millionaire told Reuters. "And then we'll decide after that.

"(Technical boss) Mike (Gascoyne) and (CEO) Riad (Asmat) and everyone else feel he's the right guy to add value to the team," added Fernandes.