F1 clash means A1 pause for Karthikeyan

Despite making an impressive 'A1' race debut in New Zealand at the weekend, Narain Karthikeyan's test duties for Williams will preclude him from travelling to Australia for the next round.

India's Karthikeyan, 30, finished seventh at the Taupo Lake Circuit on Sunday, but the subsequent event near Sydney next weekend clashes with the official launch and test debut of Williams' new Toyota-powered 'FW29'.

Local reports in India, however, claim that Karthikeyan could be back in 'A1' action in Durban, South Africa, by the end of next month.

Karthikeyan, who is rumoured to receive a retainer of $25,000 for each A1 appearance, confirmed: "I may turn up for Durban."

'A1 Grand Prix' is a World Cup-style open-wheel racing series.

Source: GMM