HRT: Liuzzi, Karthikeyan or van der Garde?

HRT is one of the teams who have yet to officially announce their second driver for 2012. Tonio Luzzi states he has a valid contract for this new season, but it was signed with Collin Kolles, who left the team after it was bought by Thesan Capital. Moreover, just a couple of days ago, HRT technical director Jacky Eeckelaert was quoted by Belgian journal La Libre saying Liuzzi has failed to impress in several occasions, what does not foresee a very bright future for the Italian driver in the Spanish squad and arose speculations about Jerome d'Ambrosio, Bruno Senna, Vitaly Petrov and Kevin Ceccon being candidates for the team.

Nevertheless, according to German site Motorsport-Total.com, Liuzzi still has some chances to drive for HRT in 2012. The team would be searching for sponsors at the moment. In case they could get enough support to finance Liuzzi and the development of the new car, the Italian would be allowed to stay. But, also according to Motorsport-Total.com, the team is also considering another two drivers who could bring enough money to pay Liuzzi out of his contract. Those two candidates are Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan and the Dutch Giedo van der Garde.

Karthikeyan would bring financial backing from Tata, but the favourite for the seat is believed to be van der Garde. The Dutchman offer is thought to be higher since he is supported by Marcel Boekhoorn, his father in law and one of the richest businessmen in Holland.