Belgian GP: Race notes - HRT

02/09/2012

Just as expected, the legendary Belgian Grand Prix took place in summer-like conditions which tested drivers, cars and tyres alike. But, without a doubt, what marked today's race was the accident, involving various cars, on the first turn. Pedro de la Rosa, who started from 21st, didn't get away unscathed and had to come in for a front wing change which forced the team to adapt its strategy and also change the tyres. From then on, Pedro completed a great race and put up a good fight which, although didn't end up going the Spaniard's way, left good sensations. Narain Karthikeyan, who started in 24th and was in 14th at one stage, was also completing a splendid race when he spun off track on lap 32, as a result of a problem on his second pitstop, which prevented him from finishing the race.

With no time to lose the team heads to Monza where the Italian Grand Prix will get underway in only 4 days. This will be the thirteenth event of the season and the last one taking place on European soil.

Pedro de la Rosa: "It was an intense race from start to finish. I didn't completely avoid the accident on the first corner because, besides the pieces of front wing flying through the air, I was trapped between some cars with no space and I got hit a couple of times. That's why I had to stop before planned to change the front wing. It went well after that; we were able to fight with the Marussias and Kovalainen until the end. We've still got a small way to go to be where we want but today was a fighter's race but also a fun one."

Narain Karthikeyan: "I got off to a very good start and the car was fantastic throughout the first stint, enabling me to keep up a good battle with Pic. But after the second pitstop I had some issues with the suspension and spun off track. It's a shame because I was having a good race ahead of a Caterham, but I'm happy with our performance and I hope to continue with this level in Monza next week."

Luis Perez-Sala, Team Principal: "It was an exciting race for us because we battled with a few of our rivals for a large part of the race. Unfortunately, after Narain's last pitstop, we had a problem and he had to retire when he was in the middle of a sensational race. The positive aspect is that Pedro was able to finish the event and that the performance of the cars was good so I'm happy because we're on the same positive line as before the summer break."

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