HRT not to complete pre-test shakedown

HRT will not complete a pre-test shakedown of their new 2012 car, the Cosworth powered F112, and will instead complete their first track event with their new car at the third and final pre-season test this week at Barcelona.

After suffering a rocky winter period, HRT’s 2012 car initially failed the mandatory FIA crash test, forcing the team to use their 2011 car at the first test at Jerez. The team skipped the second pre-season test at Barcelona to focus on their 2012 car, which seems to have paid off as their 2012 car is now ready to make its track debut.

However, with the team not planning a pre-test shakedown, they will be hoping that all goes well when the F112 makes its first appearance at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya later in the week. It’s expected that Spaniard Pedro De La Rosa will be the first to drive the new car, before Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan makes his 2012 track debut later in the week.

HRT will be hoping for a productive week, as they aim to fine tune their car in preparation for the season opening Australian Grand Prix.