F1 hope reigns supreme for Narain

Williams have signed Wurz as their test driver but sources close to Karthikeyan maintained that all was not lost.

Williams F1 on Tuesday confirmed the signing of Austrian Alexander Wurz as their official test driver for 2006 season but sources close to Narain Karthikeyan maintained that it was not the end of road for the Indian in Formula One racing.

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"Williams signing Wurz was always on the cards. It is just that the media is reporting it only now. Narain's offer from Williams stands," sources told.

"It is Narain's option, it is his to take."

The sources reiterated that Narain had another, better option besides the one offered by Williams.

It is believed that Narain as a reserve test driver for Williams would have split duties with Wurz.

Narain, if he signed with Williams, would be the team's Friday test driver in some races that would be determined based on marketing aspects.

Neither Narain, the first Indian to drive in Formula One, nor his management was available for comment.