Thursday 7 August at 15:16 : Karun Chandhok, an Indian driver currently racing in GP2, has burst back into the reckoning for a formula one seat in 2009.

Last year, the 24-year-old - who made his F1 test debut for Red Bull Racing at the end of 2007 - was linked strongly with a move to countryman Vijay Mallya's newly-acquired Force India team.

Mallya, however, said at the time that while he thought GP2 race winner Chandhok needed another year in the feeder series, Force India would "certainly" have an Indian driver in 2009.

The newspaper Asian Age claims Chandhok could drive either for the Silverstone-based squad, or even Toro Rosso.

Chandhok agrees that his chances of securing a Force India race drive are highest.

"It would be ideal to have an Indian team with a local driver to kindle the patriotism of fans, but I would like to have the seat for my quality, not just because of my nationality," he said.

"Therefore I am also keeping my options open."

Chandhok's father Vicky, a high ranking Indian motor racing official, has a close relationship with Mallya, who as well as owning Force India is the chief of the country's motor sports bodies.

Chandhok also said a test drive with Red Bull, a personal sponsor, was a possibility for next year.

He continued: "Both the seats in their sister team, Toro Rosso, are up for grabs.

"(And) apart from Red Bull I have been in touch with one of the front-running teams for testing."