Fastest Indian replaced by Australian rookie

He may be the fastest Indian on the track and the only to score an F1 point but Narain Karthikeyan has been replaced with reserve driver of Toro Rosso for Hispania Racing - Daniel Ricciardo -  ahead of the British Grand Prix, according to reports in the Indian press and the BBC.

In what is being speculated as a major blow to Indian fans who were hoping to see Karthikeyan burn rubber in the Indian Grand Prix to take place in Greater Noida late in October, the Australian Ricciardo's accession to the race after participating in every morning practice session of his team this season may be more permanent than just the race at the Silverstone circuit.

The British press has confirmed that a release was sent by Hispania Racing stating that Ricciardo will race for the team in the upcoming race making him the second Australian to participate after Red Bull's Mark Webber. He will represent the team along with Vitannio Luizi. "I had to pinch myself a couple of times to be sure that it's real. Now I'm excited and can hardly wait to drive at Silverstone," an excited Ricciardo was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Karthikeyan though has not made an official statement on the matter. The official reasoning behind the sudden change too, remains unclear.