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Pedro de la Rosa: The car is slow but it’s safe

De la Rosa denies that HRT are low on spare parts

By

16 November 2012 - 07:08

Pedro de la Rosa has insisted that the HRT F112 is slow but safe, amid speculation from Spanish media that the team are running low on spare parts for the final two races of the season. If true, this would severely hamper the teams running throughout the weekend, however the Spaniard has assured the media that there is no such issues within the team.

HRT have once again endured a frustrating season in Formula 1, with the outfit initially failing to appear at pre-season testing and then failing to qualify for the season opening Australian Grand Prix. Since then the team has improved gradually throughout the due course of the season, however it has recently come to light that current owners Thesan Capital are selling the team. This means the team desperately require a buyer, before they can begin preparing for next season.

With only two races of the season remaining at the United States and Brazil, rumors had begun to circulate within the paddock that HRT were running dangerously low on spare parts. This would put the team at a tremendous disadvantage, with any incidences between now and the end of the season potentially ending their season. However, Pedro de la Rosa has firmly denied these allegations, stating that the F112 car is slow but safe.

“It’s something that I’m not aware of.” Admitted Pedro de la Rosa, when questioned about the reports from the Spanish media. “All I can say is that we might be modest, we are small and we are what we are – but we are a professional Formula One team and for sure when we start running it’s because the car is safe. I’m experienced enough to... y’know, I would never jump into an unsafe car because of parts being too old. So no, the answer is, the car is slow but it’s safe.”

If HRT can find a buyer for next season, it is believed Pedro de la Rosa will continue with the team for another season, although his team-mate has yet to be confirmed. The team’s development driver Ma Qing Hua has been greatly linked to the vacant seat for 2013, however nothing seems certain as the team continue to struggle towards the back of the pack.

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