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The 27-year-old Indian, who raced the first half of last season with Hispania, will return to the formula one seat joining Race Drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli, Third Driver Luiz Razia and Test Drivers Davide Valsecchi and Ricardo Teixeira.
"I`ve been talking to the team for quite a while about a role with them and I`m delighted we`re now able to confirm that I will be driving for Team Lotus in 2011," Chandhok said in a statement.
Chandhok seemed to have been left with few options earlier this month when Lotus named Luiz Razia as their third driver and said the Brazilian would take part in some practice sessions.
However, the team announced today that the Indian will drive in Friday`s first practice session of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
"The details of exactly which sessions I will be in the car for are being worked out now and after having spent some time with them at the recent pre-season tests I can see exactly how passionate everyone in Team Lotus is about taking this team back to the top of the F1 grid.
"These are very exciting times for Team Lotus and it`s a real honour to be able to play a part in helping shape this team`s future. I want to thank Tony, Din, Nasa, Riad and Mike for having the faith in me to give me a chance to help the team develop and I`ll do my best to repay that faith wherever I can," Chandhok added.
Team Lotus made its debut in Formula One last year but failed to score a point.
Team Principal Tony Fernandes termed Chandhok as the future of motor racing and said the team was excited about working with the Indian talent.
"This is another great day for Team Lotus. Karun`s appointment to our team gives us not only his immense driving talent and F1 experience, both of which will help us develop the car even further, but also brings one of the warmest, most professional personalities I have the pleasure of knowing into the Team Lotus family," he said.
