The HRT thread

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 12 Jul 2012, 23:07

Pedro seems to know what he is doing more than the whole fest of the team conbined. :lol:

David AGS · Post by **David AGS** » 12 Jul 2012, 23:08

HRT is still a very small team compared to the others.

Going after Silverstone and then a two day test would probably stretch the team members, (probably 1 day would stretching the team resources although's Ma cash will balance that out), Germany is just over a week away, followed by Hungary a week after (on memory).

Also I guess Ma has done enough to earn a licence so that was the major objective completed.

RealRacingRoots · Post by **RealRacingRoots** » 14 Jul 2012, 18:37

A video of Sky's young driver test story is on youtube.

It showed Ma crying in it, as he began to take in what he did (drive a F1 car, make history). I would have done the same thing; it's a huge moment in a racing driver's life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC3ysb38Hik

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 14 Jul 2012, 20:16

RealRacingRoots wrote:A video of Sky's young driver test story is on youtube.

It showed Ma crying in it, as he began to take in what he did (drive a F1 car, make history). I would have done the same thing; it's a huge moment in a racing driver's life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC3ysb38Hik

Don't blame him at all. As for Chandhok taking the piss, what exactly has he achieved to start judging people?

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 15 Jul 2012, 10:24

AdrianSutil wrote:
RealRacingRoots wrote:A video of Sky's young driver test story is on youtube.

It showed Ma crying in it, as he began to take in what he did (drive a F1 car, make history). I would have done the same thing; it's a huge moment in a racing driver's life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC3ysb38Hik

Don't blame him at all. As for Chandhok taking the piss, what exactly has he achieved to start judging people?

Very few people can say they have driven a F1 car.

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 15 Jul 2012, 12:59

eurobrun wrote:
AdrianSutil wrote:
RealRacingRoots wrote:A video of Sky's young driver test story is on youtube.

It showed Ma crying in it, as he began to take in what he did (drive a F1 car, make history). I would have done the same thing; it's a huge moment in a racing driver's life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC3ysb38Hik

Don't blame him at all. As for Chandhok taking the piss, what exactly has he achieved to start judging people?

Very few people can say they have driven a F1 car.

My point exactly. Chandhok should've understood what Ma was going through.

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 15 Jul 2012, 14:31

Hello all, hope you are all well

Some info from Racecar Engineering about the F112 thats interesting...

The design of the F112 didn't start until September 2011 once Geoff Willis left
A number of companies made the car, i.e one the tub, one the rear wing, one the front wing.
The chassis was built by CarboTech but not designed by them.
The major goal was to be closer to the field this year.
The biggest weakness is the aerodynamics
Every time the F112 is in the wind tunnel the car gets better

When designing started in September 2011 the design team started with the 2011 base, but if started earlier (July 2011) the F112 would have looked a lot different.
HRT are using the FW34 gearbox, but the team can't use the suspension pickups or geometry from Williams as it is not allowed in the regulations.
Toni C took the decision to remove KERS from the car as the money saved will be used in upgrades instead.
With regards to Engines next year, there are not many options but nothing is signed for next year.

slowest_indian · Post by **slowest_indian** » 15 Jul 2012, 16:43

Given the situation its impressive that theyre not a lot further behind than they currently are.

The pace over one lap is decent and can more or less match Marussia but in races the tire wear is much worse, so even when they manage to outqualify Marussia they end up well behind come the chequered flag...

Any news on what the next updates will be? hopefully they'll get them soon as Singapore might be too little too late.
Hopefully Ma can get back in the car and all those sponsors can become permanent, seems like HRT are trying to save up dollar for a bigger push next year.

Also a proud owner of a membership card now

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 15 Jul 2012, 17:08

slowest_indian wrote:Given the situation its impressive that theyre not a lot further behind than they currently are.

The pace over one lap is decent and can more or less match Marussia but in races the tire wear is much worse, so even when they manage to outqualify Marussia they end up well behind come the chequered flag...

Any news on what the next updates will be? hopefully they'll get them soon as Singapore might be too little too late.
Hopefully Ma can get back in the car and all those sponsors can become permanent, seems like HRT are trying to save up dollar for a bigger push next year.

Also a proud owner of a membership card now

The pace over the 1st stint has since China matched Marussia more a less, but now Marussia have the new upgrade for exhaust, HRT will be a bit further behind.

The update, which I hear will be similar to what everyone else has done, is slated for Singapore but Pedro has said we will get it on the car as soon as possible.

Yes this year has been a learning curve since most of the staff are new, so 2013 will be much a better year.

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 15 Jul 2012, 23:53

slowest_indian wrote:Hopefully Ma can get back in the car and all those sponsors can become permanent, seems like HRT are trying to save up dollar for a bigger push next year.

I am thinking that he might race in a few of the late season flyaway races.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 16 Jul 2012, 02:34

eurobrun wrote:
slowest_indian wrote:Hopefully Ma can get back in the car and all those sponsors can become permanent, seems like HRT are trying to save up dollar for a bigger push next year.

I am thinking that he might race in a few of the late season flyaway races.

People! This is why we need more mid-season testing. Car improvements. Teams can get more data with another mid-season test. Though in my honest opinion teams should be allowed to test whenever they want.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 16 Jul 2012, 03:06

JeremyMcClean wrote:
eurobrun wrote:
slowest_indian wrote:Hopefully Ma can get back in the car and all those sponsors can become permanent, seems like HRT are trying to save up dollar for a bigger push next year.

I am thinking that he might race in a few of the late season flyaway races.

People! This is why we need more mid-season testing. Car improvements. Teams can get more data with another mid-season test. Though in my honest opinion teams should be allowed to test whenever they want.

Just the lower teams, please. Don't want Ferrari and McLaren testing a gazillion times a year.

Peter · Post by **Peter** » 16 Jul 2012, 04:39

Wasn't there supposed to be a big package coming to Hungary?

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 16 Jul 2012, 07:36

Yes either at Hungary or Singapore.

GwilymJJames · Post by **GwilymJJames** » 16 Jul 2012, 08:59

No upgrades for Germany, Dani FP1ing for Narain again.

pasta_maldonado · Post by **pasta_maldonado** » 16 Jul 2012, 21:27

JeremyMcClean wrote:
eurobrun wrote:
slowest_indian wrote:Hopefully Ma can get back in the car and all those sponsors can become permanent, seems like HRT are trying to save up dollar for a bigger push next year.

I am thinking that he might race in a few of the late season flyaway races.

People! This is why we need more mid-season testing. Car improvements. Teams can get more data with another mid-season test. Though in my honest opinion teams should be allowed to test whenever they want.

That would be the wisest thing, but I doubt the FIA will allow it on cost-cutting measures. Also the complaints from the smaller teams and that idiot Eric Boullier will be hard to ignore

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 17 Jul 2012, 20:25

HRT 'belong' in F1 - Karthikeyan
Narain Karthikeyan believes the F112 is "two seconds faster" per lap than its 2011 predecessor
Narain Karthikeyan says that HRT's new management approach has proven that the team "belong to Formula One".

HRT was bought from Jose Ramon Carabante by Madrid-based investment firm Thesan Capital last July, with Karthikeyan driving for the team in eight races under both owners. Having remained with HRT for the 2012 season, Karthikeyan admitted that he was disappointed with how the year got underway as the team failed to qualify in Australia, but that it was now making clear progress.

"We have come a long way since the disappointing season-opener," Karthikeyan told the Deccan Chronicle. "It was a low point as I never thought I would be a spectator in Melbourne. But I never regretted the decision to continue with HRT. The team used to work like a GP2 outfit, but a change in the management has showed that they belong to Formula One.

"The car has improved a lot compared to last year's, to be precise two seconds faster. It's much more reliable. In the last few races we have proved that our car is quick in qualifying but we haven't yet shown it in a race situation."

Karthikeyan expects that HRT will become more competitive as the season goes on, with the team now focused on improving the car's aerodynamic performance.

"Exciting time ahead as the team is working on several upgrades. Mechanically the car looks fine now; so the team's focus is on bringing more changes in the aerodynamics when the season resumes after a month-long break at Belgian GP in the first week of September. We are expected to run a lot more closer to Marussia. I am excited about the upgrades especially with the Indian GP scheduled for the second half of the season."

And looking ahead to next year, Karthikeyan has stated that he hopes to remain with HRT.

"Formula One is a complicated business, but I would love remain with HRT as I am very comfortable dealing with this management. I know the team's plans for the 2013 car and it's expected to be much more advanced. So I am excited about it."

Just some things highlighted, seems that there is a lot of upgrades coming after the summer break in Spa.

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 17 Jul 2012, 21:05

That interview seems a fairly spot-on assessment so far. The HRT doomsday clock has proven the quali pace is getting much better. As for Karthikeyen staying in 2013? Its possible.

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 17 Jul 2012, 21:15

AdrianSutil wrote:That interview seems a fairly spot-on assessment so far. The HRT doomsday clock has proven the quali pace is getting much better. As for Karthikeyen staying in 2013? Its possible.

Only spot for Narain I feel is TD, like Bottas all FP1 sessions maybe..

Also interesting to note "multiple" upgrades after the summer break as well.

AndreaModa · Post by **AndreaModa** » 17 Jul 2012, 22:29

cbbcisace wrote:
AdrianSutil wrote:That interview seems a fairly spot-on assessment so far. The HRT doomsday clock has proven the quali pace is getting much better. As for Karthikeyen staying in 2013? Its possible.

Only spot for Narain I feel is TD, like Bottas all FP1 sessions maybe..

Also interesting to note "multiple" upgrades after the summer break as well.

Really? So I guess that wouldn't endanger the Tata money then?

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 18 Jul 2012, 05:51

AndreaModa wrote:
cbbcisace wrote:
AdrianSutil wrote:That interview seems a fairly spot-on assessment so far. The HRT doomsday clock has proven the quali pace is getting much better. As for Karthikeyen staying in 2013? Its possible.

Only spot for Narain I feel is TD, like Bottas all FP1 sessions maybe..

Also interesting to note "multiple" upgrades after the summer break as well.

Really? So I guess that wouldn't endanger the Tata money then?

For next year I'm sure they will have another driver with sponsorship.

Post by **tommykl** » 18 Jul 2012, 07:08

AdrianSutil wrote:That interview seems a fairly spot-on assessment so far. The HRT doomsday clock has proven the quali pace is getting much better. As for Karthikeyen staying in 2013? Its possible.

Maybe HRT found out about the Johnny Claes Trophy and just wanted to see him slaughter Albers' record :mrgreen:

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 18 Jul 2012, 09:17

tommykl wrote:
AdrianSutil wrote:That interview seems a fairly spot-on assessment so far. The HRT doomsday clock has proven the quali pace is getting much better. As for Karthikeyen staying in 2013? Its possible.

Maybe HRT found out about the Johnny Claes Trophy and just wanted to see him slaughter Albers' record

Possibly, I've been singing his chances for months now :lol:

As for Tata being mentioned above, I'm sure it's the same set-up as Maldonado and PDVSA have. Pastor doesn't have to actually be a race driver to get the money, as TD slot will do.

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 18 Jul 2012, 09:19

tommykl wrote:
AdrianSutil wrote:That interview seems a fairly spot-on assessment so far. The HRT doomsday clock has proven the quali pace is getting much better. As for Karthikeyen staying in 2013? Its possible.

Maybe HRT found out about the Johnny Claes Trophy and just wanted to see him slaughter Albers' record

Good, douchebag Albers doesn't deserve to win anything.

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 18 Jul 2012, 18:16

Anybody else receive their HRT card yet?

Peter · Post by **Peter** » 18 Jul 2012, 18:18

CoopsII wrote:Anybody else receive their HRT card yet?

I did, a few weeks ago. Looks rather nice.

Post by **tommykl** » 18 Jul 2012, 18:19

CoopsII wrote:Anybody else receive their HRT card yet?

Not yet

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 18 Jul 2012, 18:22

tommykl wrote:
CoopsII wrote:Anybody else receive their HRT card yet?

Not yet

Good things come to those that wait 8-)

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 19 Jul 2012, 10:09

CoopsII wrote:
tommykl wrote:
CoopsII wrote:Anybody else receive their HRT card yet?

Not yet

Good things come to those that wait

Is it too late to order one?

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 19 Jul 2012, 12:25

Yeah you can still order a membership card.

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 19 Jul 2012, 19:11

Former Williams, Toyota and Lotus Racing designer Mark Tatham has taken up the role of Chief Designer at HRT #F1

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 19 Jul 2012, 20:48

cbbcisace wrote:Former Williams, Toyota and Lotus Racing designer Mark Tatham has taken up the role of Chief Designer at HRT #F1

What's his track-record like? A former Toyota designer doesn't scream 'confidence and skill'.

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 19 Jul 2012, 21:16

AdrianSutil wrote:
cbbcisace wrote:Former Williams, Toyota and Lotus Racing designer Mark Tatham has taken up the role of Chief Designer at HRT #F1

What's his track-record like? A former Toyota designer doesn't scream 'confidence and skill'.

His last F1 role was Lotus Racing's T127 I believe, but its a start this is the first time HRT actually have has their own Chief Designer....

David AGS · Post by **David AGS** » 20 Jul 2012, 08:56

Did a little research, correct, he was last with Lotus, and had some key input into the T127 (2010), also with the last two Toyota's and the unraced F110.

Worked also with Williams and Tyrrell before that too amongs a few auto companies too.

Post by **mario** » 20 Jul 2012, 10:24

David AGS wrote:Did a little research, correct, he was last with Lotus, and had some key input into the T127 (2010), also with the last two Toyota's and the unraced F110.

Worked also with Williams and Tyrrell before that too amongs a few auto companies too.

That sounds a fair bit better when you put it that way, since the TF108 and TF109 were two of the better cars that Toyota produced during their time in F1. As cbbcisace says, it does sound like a step in the right direction with their expansion plans, so here's hoping that they can continue that progress.

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 20 Jul 2012, 18:53

Narain's last race is rumoured to be at India.

Clos or Liuzzi to drive for he last 3 races.

pasta_maldonado · Post by **pasta_maldonado** » 20 Jul 2012, 20:03

cbbcisace wrote:Narain's last race is rumoured to be at India.

Clos or Liuzzi to drive for he last 3 races.

While we all love to cheer on a good reject, it really is time he moved on, as he really isn't suited to F1 at all.

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 20 Jul 2012, 23:48

pasta_maldonado wrote:While we all love to cheer on a good reject, it really is time he moved on, as he really isn't suited to F1 at all.

Well, it is hard to say that, especially once one considers that his say about how the HRT cars should be most likely borders somewhere between being allowed to give his opinion on which colours the mirrors should have and non-existent.

To be honest, I am not thrilled about either replacement option (except Qinghua Ma for the true Reject goodness).

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 21 Jul 2012, 01:01

cbbcisace wrote:Narain's last race is rumoured to be at India.

Clos or Liuzzi to drive for he last 3 races.

I actually think this will happen.

solarcold · Post by **solarcold** » 21 Jul 2012, 06:48

De la Rosa + Liuzzi ?! That's .. mm.. AWESOME!