Zele Racing has invited Narain Karthikeyan to join them and compete in the first round of the 2013 AutoGP World Series at Monza, Italy. In 2005, Karthikeyan became the first Indian driver in the history of Formula One, making his debut with Jordan F1. He extended his spell in motor racing's elite class as the third driver for Williams F1 in 2006 & 07, before entering the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport with Team India, winning two races along the way. He returned to Formula 1 in 2011 & 2012 with HRT, but fell victim to the Spanish team's withdrawal from the sport ahead of the 2013 season. Hence the Indian driver was left without a drive in Formula 1 in 2013. He has therefore decided to test new waters and take on a new challenge with Zele Racing, a well-established Austrian racing team, competing in the Auto GP World Series.

Narain Karthikeyan: "I was looking forward to continuing my Formula 1 career in 2013 with HRT. Unfortunately circumstances within the team lead to the operation shutting down.  I have decided to accept the invitation from Michael, as it keeps me driving a high powered single seater, and with a heavily revised car for 2013, lap times are said to be on par with other single seater series. I've worked with Zele Racing before, and have known Michael for a long time. I'm looking forward to the first race in Monza, as it's a track I know well".

Michael Zele: "I have known Narain for some time and it is great that we can now work together. As a former Formula 1 driver, he has great experience and should adapt and perform well in the limited track time available in Monza.

Enzo Coloni: I'm very proud that an outstanding personality like Narain Karthikeyan decided to join Auto GP. Throughout the years, he proved his charisma in motorsports and he will definitely contribute to the championship's growth. The confrontation between many young drivers and a racing veteran like him will provide great motivation to both and produce some exciting and spectacular races, in the Auto GP fashion.