Chandhok crashes out in practice

Melbourne: Karun Chandhok's first drive in the Team Lotus Formula One car lasted less than a minute before he spun on the track and crashed into a barrier on Friday.

The 27-year-old, named as a reserve driver for the team only on Tuesday, was first out of the pits in the first practice session for Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Driving Italian Jarno Trulli's car, Chandhok lost control on a track still damp after morning rain and hit a barrier, smashing the front wing off the T128. The driver walked away apparently unhurt.

Malaysian-owned Team Lotus have yet to score a point in Formula One after making their debut last year as Lotus Racing.