UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Karthikeyan 'unprofessional'

According to Colin Kolles

(GMM) Jordan-Midland principal Colin Kolles has launched an astonishing attack on Narain Karthikeyan, after the Indian rookie said he could not afford to stay at the team in 2006.

Kolles slammed the 28-year-old driver's 'unprofessional behaviour and his unprofessional management' and rubbished Karthikeyan's revelation that a doubled bill ($9-14m) for the pay-drive is the reason for his exit.

''Narain has lost out because of his management,'' Colin Kolles told the Indian 'Economic Times' newspaper on Thursday.

''A pro driver has professional management but we didn't see that in his case.''

It is widely believed that Tiago Monteiro, Karthikeyan's '05 teammate who is strongly backed by the Portuguese government, has landed the second Midland 2006 race drive.

Kolles, who rebuked the Indian's $12 million claim, continued: ''Narain was just not available for us. He had a very fair offer from us and it was much less than what he said.

''Money is not really the problem. To succeed in
formula one, one needs a lot more.''

Colin Kolles also denied that Jordan received any benefit from the fact that Karthikeyan was the first Indian driver to race in the sport.

''The benefits for us were zero,'' said the Romanian. ''It did nothing for Jordan.''

Karthikeyan, who endured a trying relationship with the team boss, rebuked Kolles' account by insisting he would have 'jumped' at the Midland seat had the price tag been lower.

The Indian insisted: ''I stand by what I've said. If he doesn't like the way we work, then don't like the way he works.''

Written: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 07:46:27