Only one race-seat remains available on the 2013 grid and according to reports in India it could be handed to Narain Karthikeyan.

The 36-year-old is without a drive after HRT folded at the end of last year and was mentioned as a possible candidate for a number of positions in the off-season. However, nothing has materialised – yet.

With Force India yet to name Paul di Resta’s team-mate, there remains one possible destination for Karthikeyan. While Jules Bianchi has spoken of his belief that he has done enough to deserve the drive, reports in the Indian press suggest that a commercial deal between Force India and manufacturer Tata could see Karthikeyan get the nod.

“As soon as Tata increased the budget for 2013, talks with Force India began,” an unnamed source told the Deccan Chronicle.

“Unlike the past, the negotiation has been a lot more positive. If talks fail, he will probably go to America for (the) Indycar series”.