HRT looking to further evaluate updates at Suzuka

HRT are confident ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend, as the Spanish outfit aim to further evaluate their updates which were introduced last time out at Singapore. Due to the fast-flowing and high-speed nature of the Suzuka circuit, Pedro de la Rosa believes the difference between the old and the new floor will become apparent.

Along with many teams up and down the grid at the Singapore Grand Prix, HRT introduced several new upgrades to their F112 car in an attempt to close in on their nearest competitors in the closing stages of the season. First impressions were that the new floor on the car worked well, however the Suzuka circuit is expected to allow the team to further evaluate the upgrades, especially the new floor.

"Suzuka is a beautiful and spectacular circuit; I would say it’s my favorite track.” Explained Pedro de la Rosa, “It’s very quick, you hardly touch the brake, and we’ll be able to make a better evaluation of the difference between the new floor and the old one. I’ve got great memories of it because my first victories in Formula 3 and Formula 3000 came there and it’s one of the tracks which has brought me most luck in my career because by winning there the doors to Formula 1 opened. I hope to also have a good performance next weekend.”

Whereas Pedro de la Rosa has finished the last seven races, Narain Karthikeyan has struggled slightly, retiring from three of the last seven races. The Indian driver crashed out of the Singapore Grand Prix last time out, however he is hopeful of redeeming himself next weekend on what he believes is a physically demanding track.

"I’m really looking forward to Japan after not being able to finish in Singapore.” Said Narain Karthikeyan, who is returning to Suzuka in an F1 car for the first time since 2005. “From a physical point of view it’s also tough as it’s very quick. I think we’ll take a step forward with the car with regards to Singapore and we’ll be able to better evaluate how the new floor works. We’ve been pretty fast in the last few races but we’ve been missing a bit of luck. But we have to continue working to maintain this positive momentum through to the end of the season.”

HRT have continued to improve throughout yet another tough season for the Spanish outfit, and have begun to reel in the likes of Marussia in recent races. With only a quarter of the Championship remaining, it seems HRT are aiming to continue improving at each of the remaining race weekends.

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