HRT not to partake in Barcelona test

It has been confirmed by Spanish Formula 1 team, HRT, that they will unfortunately not partake of testing on Sunday, and will instead try their best to take to the track for a filming day on Monday.

HRT have had a miserable winter period, as their 2012 car initially failed the mandatory FIA crash test. This therefore forced the team to use their 2011 car for the first pre-season test at Jerez, before skipping the second test to focus on their new car.

The team were confident on making the final pre-season test, after their car finally passed the crash test last weekend. However, upon arriving at the circuit the team expected to take to the track on Sunday only, regarding they receive no setbacks. With HRT set to not take to the track during any of the official testing days this week, the team have announced they hope to complete a filming day at the Circuit de Catalunya on Monday.

If the planned filming day fails to take place, HRT will head to Australia without their new car, the F112, ever turning a wheel during testing. The same setback has hit Marussia, who’s car failed to pass the FIA crash tests prior to the third and final test at Barcelona. Both teams now look set to arrive at Albert Park in two weeks time on the back foot, with both cars failing to complete any true testing mileage.

This will be HRT and Marussia’s third season in Formula 1, and both teams are struggling to keep up with the rest of the teams. Caterham, who are also entering their third season, have improved their pace considerably since their debut back in 2010. They are confident on pushing for points in 2012, whereas the same unfortunately cannot be said for HRT or Marussia.

Testing continues this afternoon and concludes tomorrow at the Circuit de Catalunya, before the teams switch their focus to the season opening Australian Grand Prix, where the new HRT and Marussia will use FP1 as their unofficial pre-season test.