Some news/gossip that HRT should be at the next test with the 2011 F111. According to AUTOSPORT they are 90% certain that they will test for the first time on the Wed or Thurs. Finally get to see where they are compared to Lotus and Virgin. Not expecting much to be honest
I like the graphics on the cars, but I don't think they're going to challenge anyone this season, much as I'd like them to test the car and thrash Ferrari and Red Bull, its never going to happen, I doubt they'll even challenge virgin and lotus.
I really don't know why they're bothering. They're a farcical team, I genuinely fear they might get stung by the 107% rule this year.
Assuming the teams are only a few seconds slower than last year, HRT would need to be within 6ish seconds of the leader to be within 107%. With no testing so far this could well be difficult for them.
Yeh, it wouldn't surprise me if they get caught out, which may result in them leaving the sport. They need the advertising that competing gives them just to survive I imagine. The last time they had the 107% rule, some teams had to leave the sport as a result. I'd really like them to be at least within the margin though, I think F1 needs all the teams it can get.
The best HRT can hope for at Australia is to finish the race, its essentially a test for them which isn't ideal. If they qualify outside the 107% I'm sure the other teams would let them race, but if it becomes regular then sooner or later they won't be allowed to race.
I agree to an extent, but HRT bring nothing to the sport in my opinion. I don't think anyone would be sad to see them go. At this rate I'd say the best they can hope for is to start it.
Didnt that happen to Lola between 1996 and 1997? And I think HRT are a disgrace to F1. Many fans liked the underdog right at the back (Minardi and Super Aguri for example), but HRT are just ridiculous with their 'pay to race' system. Bruno Senna was actually not bad, and Christian Klien deserved way better than them. It's funny how Senna did quite a bit better than Piquet Jr in GP2, but Piquet gt placed into a midfield team and Senna was at the back all of last season.
And i taught they said money didnt talk in F1 But back to Hispania, what a joke of a team, their improving a bit, at least this time they will probaly turn up at a test, but the powers above of F1 should be embarrased they didnt let the other teams through like USF1 or Epsilon Euskadi.
F1 certainly doesn't need the teams. It needs teams who can actually be counted on to finish a race, and at least have an outside chance of finishing in the top 10.
I usually like supporting the weaker teams. Minardi used to be my favourite and watching Alonso using a Minardi to outqualify the faster cars in 2001 is one of the reason I support him. But HRT are a complete joke.
I think F1 needs a system where the bottom 1 or 2 teams can be 'voted out' of the sport if a unanimous decision is made by the other teams, and a potential replacement could come in. Like last season, Lotus, Virgin and HRT all failed to trouble the other back-markers, and didn't score a point between them. If the other teams thought they were dangerous, or others could do better, they could be replaced by the likes of USF1, etc. On the other hand, teams need to be able to progress within the sport, so if they felt Lotus and Virgin showed potential, they could be allowed to stay in the sport?
I don't know wtf they are up to, seems they are in F1 for the fun of it and are really not taking it seriously....
They are now due to take the covers off their new car this afternoon and attempt to do some practice. Knowing HRT they will probably reveal their new car and assume no testing is need.... Strange team.
finally covers to come off? awesome. lets see what will be lapped about 20 times a race IF they even qualify!
First Pictures: please log in to view this image Just need to see if it can do a lap now Edit: Autosport have done their bit now: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89866
12:56 The car [HRT], however, may not be on track much today, as some parts are still stuck in Spanish customs Classic HRT Update: 13:33 We are getting more pictures from the Hispania F111, which is not expected to run today Fantastic
I will give it to them they have a car that looks like a fast F1 car this year. Im still holding to my prediction that they will finish ahead of virgin
Latest from Autosport: HRT unable to run on Saturday HRT could go into the Formula 1 season without any testing after calling off its planned Saturday run at Barcelona as parts are stuck in customs. The team unveiled its new F111 at the track this afternoon, but could not begin testing as planned as the dampers were still in customs after being flown in. Although Hispania had hoped that the parts would arrive in time to be fitted ready for a full day of testing on the final day of pre-season running tomorrow, the team announced tonight that the dampers had not been released by the authorities. Team boss Colin Kolles said: "Unfortunately we could not get the dampers out of customs. The result of this is that we can't run tomorrow. This is life and we will overcome this problem." I had hoped to see them out testing tomorrow, but like last year the first run the car gets is in Aus, looks like two DNF's is on the cards, maybe a DNQ if the other teams feel particularly mean.
