Karthikeyan sees Auto GP podium around the corner

Indian racing driver Narain Karthikeyan is confident of a podium finish in the third round of Auto GP World Series to be held in Hungary this weekend.

India's first Formula 1 driver did not have much luck in the earlier rounds of the single-make series. He suffered two retirements with fifth place at the season opener in Monza being his best result.

A sixth place and retirement in two races in the second round at Marrakech was more disappointing as he was fastest in practice and missed pole position by a whisker.

Karthikeyan, who secured a last-minute deal with Zele Racing, said he was looking forward to his third weekend in Auto GP.

"It is a spec-series with a powerful single-seater and many quick drivers. Everyone has a chance to win, which is something I want," Karthikeyan told IANS Wednesday.

The Indian felt his team needed to improve on the reliability of the car.

"Zele Racing seems to be a good team as far as the car setup and operations are concerned - qualifying in Marrakech proved the speed of the car. However, we still need to work on pit stops and reliability to ensure that we use our pace to the fullest," said Karthikeyan adding that he was still on a round by round deal with the team.

He is partnering 2012 F2 champion Luciano Bacheta at Zele Racing.