An article in ESPN F1 entitled HRT looking for young second driver (today: 11 01 2012) also reveals other ambitions: The team's technical director, Jacky Eeckelaert is quoted as saying, "I don't think it's in the interests of the team to have a second Spanish driver. The same goes for the drivers approaching retirement." And in reference to Tonio Liuzzi, he appears to have poured cold water on any further hope he may have had of remaining with the team: "He hasn't really confirmed himself after several chances. We are looking more for a young driver with a lot of potential." - - - o0o - - - Perhaps more significantly, the article also reveals that the decision to relocate to Spain has now been made, and according to Eeckelaert, involves a loss of 90% of the team's personnel! This reminded me of a few things I'd heard last summer and prompted me to write the following comment in another forum (cosicave elsewhere): "I believe the feeling was that Hispania's German operation was becoming ever less viable, and that relocating to 'home ground' was the long-term plan, where there is a strong possibility of help from their national government. As long ago as the 2011 Spanish Grand Prix, HRT's chief executive: José Carabante, made the following statement: "We are always thinking of the possibility to move all the team to Spain, and we are working hard on this. I think the idea of having all the team together, especially here in Spain, will make us a strong team. After our first season it was not an easy beginning. Now I think we are in a different position and the result is clear: We are improving in all the areas. Every race we are looking at how we can improve, and the result is clear." This suggests to me that the move to Spain was likely to have been a very significant - possibly even crucial - part of the long-term business plan, perhaps going all the way back to their take-over from Campos. ©"
A loss of 90% of the teams personnel?!? Their car has improved since 2010, although I think the clicking the refresh button too early could lead to some errors, as their are only just establishing themselves as a potential contender against the ever progressing Caterhams.
Moving to valencia hoping for government money? when the government cant help the Valencia street circuit or even its country stay out of debt?
Yes. For the title of this thread, I very nearly wrote "one step forward, two steps back"! A 90% loss of personnel is more than just a shake-up: it's effectively a new team under the same name, using the existing, somewhat out-dated technology of its fore-runner.
This strikes me as writing off their chances of coming above last in 2012. In the longer term this could prove to be a shrewd move, assuming they survive long enough to reap the rewards.
I'd agree with both of these statements. HRT's priorities, right from the word 'go' have been survival first and consolidation second. If they can remain on the grid long enough to reach the big shake-up in regulations to come, they will have achieved their first objective.
Yeah, basically this. Signing Alguersuari would have been helpful to those aims but I guess he carries a hefty price tag in this driver's market.
Well, apart from his price-tag, perhaps Alguesuari was also concerned about job security? Certainly, he seems to have decided Hispania would have been a backward move, compared with testing for a bigger, more established team. I would also guess that he was aware of HRT's plan to relocate, with even bigger implications about their ability to produce a competitive car.
And that he could have done a lot better I think HRT would be better if they choose a young rising driver, hopefully a British one.
Perhaps you are right Sovereign. Jacky Eeckelaert has been saying pretty much this about the age thing. As for a young, rising British driver; do you have any suggestion(s) as to who might best fit the bill?
Well there arent too many seats left on the grid, scarcity could see to him lowering his price somewhat
Well if Hispania are biting the bullet by getting their groundwork sorted (for once), then it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for them in the long term. Amazing that 90% of the work force has quit though! I expected them to lose a fair amount by upping sticks to a new country but that seems to be quite the thorn in the side of their progress.
Ever the romantic eh? Well, for what it's worth, I'd love to see that too; but he has not yet been quite convincing enough in Formula Renault in my opinion. One more season there should be a good indicator as to his ultimate potential. Certainly he has great determination and considerable overtaking ability, but it would be nice if he could qualify like his father…
A spare HRT seat, come on Red Bull, you must have another young driver lined up? I read an article recently about HRTs move, it basically talked about the performance loss they'll see this year, but it also mentioned the potential gains they'll see over time. When your basically last I guess 'potential' is as high as you can hope for.
