Spain now prouder of Hispania team

HRT is beginning to win over the support of Spain’s motor racing federation.

The country’s head FIA official Carlos Gracia said after Australia, where the F111 cars failed even to qualify: "Like this, I would prefer there was no Spanish team in formula one".

But three races on, with Vitantonio Liuzzi and Narain Karthikeyan pressing the pace of their nearest rivals and untroubled by the 107pc qualifying rule, Gracia admitted he is happier.

With F1 now moving to Barcelona in a week, Gracia told Europa Press: "I spoke recently with (team owner Jose Ramon) Carabante and he told me that in Barcelona there will be improvements to the car.

"They are already finishing the races and that is very important, therefore we hope that soon they can have a big role," he added.

Circuit de Catalunya boss Salvador Servia, meanwhile, said he is also proud there is a Spanish team in formula one.

"It’s a symbol of the achievement of our country. Motor racing incorporates human and sporting values but also technological ones, so for Spain it is very important to demonstrate that we can also be there," he added.