British GP: Race notes - HRT

08/07/2012

The ninth event of the World Championship, celebrated at Silverstone, was anticipated as a complicated one for HRT Formula 1 Team. But in the end the race took place in dry conditions and the team did a great job to get both cars over the finish line at such a difficult track for the F112. Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan, who carried out two different pit stop strategies, finished the race in 20th and 21st. It's the fifth time both cars finish, the tyres wore out less than expected and the difference to our direct rivals was slighter than anticipated, meaning that the overall assessment of the race is positive for the team, as it advances in its objective of progressing in the pinnacle of motorsport.

The team will stay in Silverstone for the upcoming days to prepare for the Young Driver Test which takes place next Thursday the 12th and Friday the 13th, where Ma Qing Hua will make his debut in the F112. In only two weeks the next event of the Championship will take place, the German Grand Prix which returns to Hockenheim from the 20th to the 22nd of July.

Pedro de la Rosa: "The truth is the race went well. We had to gamble a bit with the strategy and try something different because, in our position, if you do the same as everyone else you won't advance. We risked it to one stop to see if we could beat Marussia. But it wasn't to be, although we weren't far off. The degradation of the tyres was less than expected so I'm happy. There was no rain in the end and we knew it would be tough, but I think we did well. Lastly, I would like to add that I'm happy to hear that Maria de Villota is evolving favourably, because we're all very worried. We hope she continues in this line and that we can see her soon."

Narain Karthikeyan: "It's been an unpredictable weekend weather-wise, and in the end today's race took place in dry conditions, in stark contrast to yesterday's qualifying. I had a small battle with Pic but my rear tyres started to wear out and I couldn't keep up with him so I pitted. In terms of pace we're right up there with Marussia but over a race distance we struggle because of the rear tyres. Now we have a week to work on Germany. Like everyone, I'm really shocked by Maria's accident and I would like to wish her a quick recovery."

Luis Perez-Sala, Team Principal: "Overall today has been positive, since we performed better than expected at such a complicated circuit, even fighting with our rivals. Pedro did a one-stop strategy and his tyres held out well. On the other hand, with Narain we went for a two-stop strategy which we could have perfected a bit. But we had to risk it. We still have to improve on pit stops but the team is looking looking calmer and more reassured. We're advancing and improving which is the important thing. On another note, it looks like the information we're receiving regarding Maria's state is positive and, although we have to be cautious, we're very happy to hear this and we hope she continues to improve."

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