Formula 1: Sakon Yamamoto could keep Hispania seat

Sakon Yamamoto could keep his place at Hispania Racing in place of Karun Chandhok for the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.

The Spanish team have struggled for finances since joining Formula 1 this season, with the Japanese driver competing at the last two races at Silverstone and Hockenheim.

Yamamoto first stood in for Brazilian Bruno Senna at Silverstone before replacing Chandhok for the last race in Germany, as the team exploit his personal sponsorship rumoured to be $5million.

Speaking about his seat, Chandhok said: “After the race we are going to talk about the next race.”

But post-race in Hockenheim, Yamamoto said: “We tried some adjustments on the set up which will help us already for the next races,” suggesting he could continue alongside Senna for at least the next race.

Senna has already said he expects to race for the team in the remaining events this season after being dropped for the British Grand Prix.

Hispania have recently been linked with a partnership with former Formula 1 team Toyota which would give the new team a welcome boost.

It is unclear, however, how the team are able to afford the partnership given their lack of development this season using the Dallara chassis.

Hispania have yet to issue a public statement over their driver line-up for future races, but it is understood that team principal Colin Kolles has confirmed Yamamoto for Hungary, with future races undecided.

There is also the suggestion that Christian Klien could feature before the end of the season in November.