Karthikeyan discarded by Midland

Karthikeyan failed to impress in 2005

India's Narain Karthikeyan has been discarded by Formula One new boys Midland and is trying to secure a test driver's slot for 2006.

Karthikeyan had a poor rookie year with Jordan, who were bought and renamed by Russian Alex Shnaider in January.

And Midland boss Colin Kolles said Karthikeyan lost out because he was not focused enough and was badly managed.

"The management's job is to take away all problems but that was never the case with Narain," said Kolles.

"He is a quick driver for sure and drove very well when his head was free but he needs a good set of people around him."

Karthikeyan, 28, in turn hit out at Kolles, with whom he is alleged to have a difficult relationship.

For my long-term future a test driver's role with a bigger team is more important Narain Karthikeyan

"If he [Kolles] doesn't like the way we work, then we don't like the way he works," said Karthikeyan, who has been talking to Williams about a test driver's position.

"I don't care what he thinks about my management. Their [Midland's] offer was simply too high.

"Maybe in 2006 you won't see me driving, but for my long-term future a test driver's role with a bigger team is more important."

Karthikeyan, who claims Midland wanted more than 10 million euros [£6.7m], became India's first Formula One driver after signing up with British-based Jordan in 2005.

He raised a large sum in sponsorship to secure the Jordan drive but finished 18th in the drivers' standings with five points.

Midland have signed Dutch driver Christijan Albers from Minardi and are expected to continue with Portugal's Tiago Monteiro.

Kolles also claimed Karthikeyan's presence had not helped Jordan's image in India, as had been anticipated.

"The benefits for us were zero," he said. "It proved beneficial for Narain and India but it did nothing for Jordan."