Heikki Kovalainen has admitted that Caterham simply underperformed in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix. Kovalainen could manage only 22nd, ahead of just the HRTs. "“We underperformed today, it’s really that simple. We went with a plan that didn’t work and unfortunately both Vitaly and I weren’t [sp] able to get enough heat into the tyres to get the best out of them, or manage the traffic well enough to get a clean lap in. Tomorrow’s another day so now we need to regroup […]

HRT driver Pedro de la Rosa has insisted that he remains focused on the final two races of the 2012 season, amidst reports of the team struggling for finance. HRT's owners Thesan Capital confirmed on Monday that the team is up for sale, with Spanish media reporting that a deadline of December 2nd has been set, after which the team will be shut down. "Unfortunately there is not much I can say. It is a corporate decision I am not involved in. All I can say […]

HRT is up for sale. What chance of them making 2013? Minimal, we say.

The current owners are seeking EUR 40 million for the struggling backmarker HRT, according to the Spanish sports daily AS. The newspaper also revealed that talks with potential buyers from India and Abu Dhabi are underway. HRT, currently owned by Madrid based investment company Thesan Capital, confirmed this week that "the time has come for the team to continue growing with new financial backing". Media reports suggested HRT was in the process of sacking 32 employees, and needed a buyer before the first days of […]

HRT F1 Team is looking for new owners after Thesan Capital confirmed on Monday that the team is for sale. Thesan Capital took over from previous owner Jose Ramon Carabante in July 2011. The team moved to Madrid this season and currently sit 12th in the championship. "The current owners of HRT Formula 1 Team, TC II S.a.rl., would like to confirm that they are currently in talks with a number of groups interested in buying the team". "HRT Formula 1 Team's current management hopes […]

Ma Qinghua looks set to join Pedro de la Rosa at HRT in 2013. China Daily, citing the information of Tencent's sports channel, reported that the Spanish team "announced at a press conference in Shanghai on Tuesday afternoon" that the 24-year-old will debut next season. Ma has driven HRT's 2012 car in free practice sessions at Monza, Singapore and Abu Dhabi this year. If HRT confirms the news internationally, Ma is most likely to replace the team's Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan.

Kimi Raikkonen finally claimed his first win of the season in Abu Dhabi

Mixed feelings at the back of the grid for HRT

Max Chilton expressed his delight after his practice debut with Marussia in Abu Dhabi. The two time GP2 race winner replaced Charles Pic in first practice. "My FP1 session went just as well as I could have hoped for and my thanks again to the Marussia F1 Team for making this possible. I haven’t stopped smiling all day. I have been looking forward to this opportunity for a few weeks now, but when the moment came - with all the pressure - I admit that […]

HRT driver Pedro de La Rosa is hopeful that the team has solved the brake issues that have plagued them recently. De La Rosa spun out of the Indian Grand Prix courtesy of a brake failure, while Narain Karthikeyan's brakes failed in qualifying in Korea. "The initial objective was to find a good car balance and we achieved it quite early on. Then we focused on testing different configurations to see where we were and to optimize the cooling of the brakes", he said. "The […]

Ma Qing Hua will drive for HRT in first practice in Abu Dhabi. The Chinese driver will replace Narain Karthikeyan and is looking forward to the experience. "I'm delighted to have another chance to drive again during a Grand Prix weekend with HRT F1 Team. After my two Friday outings in Monza and Singapore, I've continued to work hard both physically and mentally to be well prepared for opportunities like this one", he said. "Apart from the gym and the simulator, I've spent a lot […]

Marussia's rookie Charles Pic expressed his happiness after an Indian Grand Prix that rewarded him with 19th place. The Frenchman started from last place but made up five spots at the first corner. "It was a great race for me, especially after a disappointing qualifying yesterday. We didn’t get the chance to show our pace then, but we did today and I am very happy for that", he said. "I got a very good start and made up five places at Turn 1 and for […]