HRT (F1 Preview)

It has never been an easy task for HRT to be in F1, and although things continue to be difficult, they are still on the grid and doing their best to improve every single year. The financial issues are one of the team’s main problems that end up reflecting on the its’ ability to focus on progression on the track.

And, although they had some problems with crash tests, which ended up throwing the team out of winter testing, for the first time HRT was able to have it’s car ready before the beginning of the season.

This year defending the white livery of HRT, will be the most experienced Spaniard driver Pedro de la Rosa and Indian Narain Karthikeyan.

When the F112 goes out in Melbourne it will be the first time HRT will have its car ready for the start of the season. It wasn't an easy ride, but the team made it possible.

After the team passed late the crash tests they worked on a 24 hour basis to have everything ready for the season's debut.

HRT had the chance to test the F112 in Munich without any setbacks and the car carried out over ten laps. The team was able to check that the car functioned properly both from a mechanical and aerodynamic point of view as from a systems standpoint.

Quotes:

Narain Karthikeyan:

“I am going to push as hard as possible, both inside and outside the cockpit and do whatever it takes to help the team progress in its rejuvenated form. Continuity is important in Formula 1 so I’m sure we’ll hit the ground running this year starting with some actual pre-season testing unlike last season where I first drove the new car on the opening race weekend in Australia. So there is all the incentive for me to ensure that I carry the team forward by delivering results and ensuring that nothing is left on the table as far as performance is concerned.”

"The new management have done an incredible job putting everything together and we’ll do the best we can to continue progressing. We’re in the right direction. Last year we only managed to complete five laps in the third practice session and failed to qualify for the race, so I’m looking to etch out that memory”.

Pedro de la Rosa

"After a long winter of hard work, we’ve finally made it to Australia and are really looking forward to trying the car out and continue learning. We would have liked to have come with more mileage but I think it’s an achievement to have made it with a 100% new car and a practically new team. Our aim is to do things well, with seriousness and patience.