Chandhok wins GP2 Best Driving Style award

Following his impressive second season in the GP2 Series, Karun Chandhok bagged the "Best Driving Style" award in a glittering ceremony at the Sporting Club Monza.

The 24-year-old iSport International driver ended the 20-race season in the top 10 in a year highlighted by victory at Hockenheim in Germany as well as podium finishes at classic Grand Prix venues in Monaco and Silverstone.

"Overall, it's been a positive season. I am very pleased with the progress I have made this year," said Karun.

"Winning my second GP2 race was a big highlight, and having been a regular front runner this year has put me in a good position in the que of drivers trying to break into Formula 1," he said.

On the award, the Chennai youngster said, "To win the award for the 'best driving style' is a fantastic way to end the season, and one I feel really proud of. It was the only award that was voted for by the fans of the championship on the GP2 website which makes it more special."

Karun, however, was disappointed at not maintaining the tempo throughout the season but felt he was luckless in the second half.

"Looking back, I'm a bit frustrated that the second half of the season didn't deliver as much as it promised pointswise, and our terrible luck on Sundays, in the sprint races, really hurt my points total," Chandhok said.

"In the middle of the year in Budapest we were right in the fight for the top five, but since then our luck changed and 7 non-scores put me on the back foot. It's particularly frustrating since five of those non-scores were out of my control but such is life," he added.

Looking ahead, Karun said he would explore the Formula One option.

"This year there are very limited options in terms of race seats in Formula 1, so it looks like the best option for me in 2009 would be to be a test driver in Formula 1 and gain some experience in preparation for 2010.

"The test driving role these days is quite limited so I think it will be important to combine that with a season of GP2 to ensure that I am racing often at a highly competitive level," he said.

"We are in discussion with Formula 1 and GP2 teams in order to put this program in place I am optimistic that that by the end of November, I will have a clearer idea on things," said the youngster.