Spanish GP: Clos to replace Karthikeyan in practice

Barcelona: Narain Karthikeyan will be replaced by HRT reserve driver Dani Clos for Friday's opening practice session of the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix.

Spanish driver Clos will step into the F112 for the first time after having completed 377.67 kilometres at the helm of HRT's 2011 car in the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi last November and having joined the team as a reserve in February.

The 23-year-old will take the place of Indian teammate Karthikeyan for the first 90 minutes of practice at the Circuit de Catalunya. Karthikeyan will take over from Clos for the second session ahead of the third practice and qualifying Saturday and the race Sunday.

"I am delighted to have this opportunity. It is something I have fought for all my life; to make my debut in Formula 1 and, above all, to be able to do it at the home race which is something very special for me," said Clos.

"I am extremely lucky to be able to do it with a Spanish team, alongside another Spanish driver (Pedro de la Rosa) who I admire.

"I hope to extract a lot of data from this practice session, contribute with positive things to the team and do my job in the best way I can," he added. (IANS)