Confident that test role will help his future
Narain Karthikeyan has admitted to disappointment after sliding out of the F1 limelight for season 2006.
The 29-year-old, who became the first Indian to race at the sport`s highest level with Jordan last year, failed to have his contract renewed and also missed out on the Friday slot at Williams.

Instead, for the latter Grove based team, Karthikeyan will merely test throughout this year.

Asked if he was disappointed to not be racing again, Narain told the Press Trust of India "As a driver, maybe. But as a professional, no."

"Sure, every driver wants to race, but to get a step up somewhere in F1 is difficult. In the short term, it might not look good, but it is going to benefit me in the long run."

Karthikeyan says spending a year at a top team, even if not actually on the grid, will be good for his career.

"I know I made the right decision for my future. Working with a top team, I can learn a lot more," Karthikeyan claimed.

Karthikeyan is not expected to return to the test tracks until mid-April, although he will attend all 19 Grand Prix this season to represent his sponsor Tata.

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