Formula One star Karun Chandhok, who has spent the season racing for the HRT F1 team, paid a special visit to the Formula Two paddock at Brands Hatch on Saturday - catching up with good friends Parthiva Sureshwaren and Armaan Ebrahim in the process.

The 26-year-old has so far impressed in his maiden season in Formula One, regularly out-qualifying team-mate Bruno Senna for the Hispania Racing outfit.

He took time out of his busy schedule to make the trip to Brands Hatch, however, and admitted he was enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere of the F2 paddock.

"I love coming to watch racing even on my weekend off," Chandhok revealed - "I'm a proper racer, and of course it's always nice to come to Brands Hatch. F1 is like a big circus so it's also nice to come to these events where things are more relaxed. I love to come back and just watch the racing."

Although Karun is India's most recognisable driver at present, he also revealed how he had been following the progress of both Armaan Ebrahim and Parthiva Sureshwaren throughout the F2 season.

"Obviously there are two Indian drivers in Formula Two and I have known them both my whole life," Chandhok explained. "They're both really good friends of mine and it's good to come and see how they're getting on.

"Armaan has done a very good job, particularly in the races - he has improved a lot. He has struggled with qualifying a little bit in the past but I have been watching the races and he has done really well. I always try to Sky+ the F2 races even when I'm away so that I can catch up with what's going on.

"Parthiva is learning. He hasn't raced a full season in seven years so there is a lot of rust to knock off. He is learning all the time however, and catching up with the rest."

With an Indian Grand Prix on the horizon for the very first time in 2011, Chandhok admitted he was hopeful of seeing more Indian drivers progress through the ranks in the future, saying: "It is an exciting time in India for motorsport. Of course the Grand Prix is the next step next year and it is likely I will be on the grid for that, which I am looking forward to very much. Hopefully this inspires other drivers and we will start to see more young Indian drivers coming through the ranks!"