HRT has announced that Narain Karthikeyan will be back in the cockpit during Friday's first practice session in Singapore Grand Prix and also driving in the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.

"It is great to have Narain back in the car," said Team Principal Colin Kolles, "as it will give him critical seat time before he drives at the Indian GP. He is the best driver to come out of the region and is undoubtedly extremely talented as he has proved through his progress this season".

"Of course it's a great feeling to be driving on a Grand Prix weekend once again," said Karthikeyan, "and on the subject of my home Grand Prix of India, the team had assured me that I'd be driving when I stepped out of my seat after the European GP.

"The Singapore circuit will definitely be a challenge as it is new to me so I'll have to get to grips with it fairly quickly. From what I know, it is a very demanding race physically, not only because of the temperatures and humidity but also being a high-speed street circuit it is extremely bumpy. Like any other street circuit, grip builds up through the weekend and car-setup will have to be constantly evolved to get the best out of it.

"Overall, it is a great place to return to race proceedings, and will go a long way to get me back in the rhythm for the Indian GP. Also my sincere thanks to my ever faithful sponsor the Tata Group, and recent support from both Hero Motors and Base batteries."