I just thought I would put an answer to this question, even though its not a question and doesn't need an answer
HRT as of December 15th 2011 had not one single bit of equipment to its name!! Dr Colin Kolles owned the lot even the F111's that are at Caja Magica, Kolles had a hold on on them too.The new HRT had to buy everything from new equipment, tyre blankets, extra heaters, trucks, covers etc etc the list goes on. And because Kolles kicked them out of his barn shed, they had to work from Holzer Gruupe in Ausburg in Germany, not ideal when trying to get a car designed ready in 2.5 months.
The F112 was also born on a dark path AGAIN, it didn't start design 100% until Kolles left because he really again just wanted to use the F111's chassis, but then got told he couldn't by the FIA and thats why he agreed to use the Williams KERS because it didn't take as much effort as designing a new car.
So HRT's improvement is as a direct result of Colin Kolles going home.
YES! Proof that the campaign finally worked!
Biscione wrote:"Some Turkemenistani gulag repurposed for residential use" is the best way yet I've heard to describe North / East Glasgow.
I just thought I would put an answer to this question, even though its not a question and doesn't need an answer
HRT as of December 15th 2011 had not one single bit of equipment to its name!! Dr Colin Kolles owned the lot even the F111's that are at Caja Magica, Kolles had a hold on on them too.The new HRT had to buy everything from new equipment, tyre blankets, extra heaters, trucks, covers etc etc the list goes on. And because Kolles kicked them out of his barn shed, they had to work from Holzer Gruupe in Ausburg in Germany, not ideal when trying to get a car designed ready in 2.5 months.
The F112 was also born on a dark path AGAIN, it didn't start design 100% until Kolles left because he really again just wanted to use the F111's chassis, but then got told he couldn't by the FIA and thats why he agreed to use the Williams KERS because it didn't take as much effort as designing a new car.
So HRT's improvement is as a direct result of Colin Kolles going home.
YES! Proof that the campaign finally worked!
They were more interesting when they were absolutely hopeless.
aerond wrote:Yes RDD, but we always knew you never had any sort of taste either
tommykl wrote:I have a shite car and meme sponsors, but Corrado Fabi will carry me to the promised land with the power of Lionel Richie.
Wizzie wrote: YES! Proof that the campaign finally worked!
They were more interesting when they were absolutely hopeless.
Right now it's kinda like watching a backmarker in a Endurance series make and develop their own car. It's enjoyable to see them make progress and punch above their weight. (the Primetime Viper from 2008 and 2009 comes to mind, as does the Robertson Ford GT)
This article kinda back up my "info" I mentioned a day or so...
Aug.6 (GMM) Current HRT team principal Luis Perez-Sala has revealed that his first encounter with the struggling Spanish team, under his predecessor Colin Kolles’ rule at the 2011 British grand prix, was not a happy one.
The former Minardi driver was appointed by HRT’s new owners Thesan Capital last year.
“What I saw, I did not like,” Perez-Sala told El Pais newspaper.
“It was a total disaster. There was no organisation, no credibility. No aerodynamic research. No home, no identity. Everything was outsourced. No technician was based at the same place. They said it was a Spanish team, but there was nothing Spanish,” he added.
Since then – even though HRT remains at the rear of the grid – a lot has changed. Perez-Sala, who has overseen the team’s relocation to plush headquarters in Madrid, said the restructuring followed an “autopsy” of HRT’s first two seasons as Campos and Hispania.
“It was clear that Pedro (de la Rosa) had to be with us,” he explained. “He was the key.
“He was Spanish, he is experienced, he is honest. He has been more than ten years in formula one, knows everyone and knows how to develop a car with the mechanics and the engineers.
“He contributes a lot as a driver, but having him with us helps us to grow, to have a plan without taking stabs in the dark.”
De la Rosa, who was enticed by Sala to join HRT despite being offered only half the pay of his McLaren reserve role, admits he too had a “bad” first impression of the team.
“They had been in formula one two years and yet it did not look like a serious project. They had a bad structure that was difficult to change.
“I wanted to sign before, but I had no trust. When I saw Luis was there, I thought about it.
“Then there were some good arguments: to race again with a team with a Spanish license, Spanish bosses, mechanics and engineers, a Spanish driver.
“I liked the idea of being here (in Spain) not in England where the other teams are, but to create something different and a structure that is staying in Spain. It sounded good,” said de la Rosa.
HRT’s chief executive Saul Ruiz de Marcos revealed that the team’s budget in 2012 is EUR 50 million, which is seven times less than the biggest teams, and half that of immediate competitor Caterham.
“If we succeed, we can get sponsors and make money in three years,” he said. “The secret is to spend every last euro to develop the car aerodynamically, which is where you gain the most time.”
De Marcos said one strategy is to “get closer” to the lucrative Indian and Chinese markets, which have not yet been fully tapped by formula one.
“We already have a driver of Indian nationality, Narain Karthikeyan,” he said, “and we are developing what will be the first Chinese driver in the history of formula one, Ma Qing Hua.”
Further proof that Colin Kolles should have remained a dentist.
Mitch Hedberg wrote:I want to be a race car passenger: just a guy who bugs the driver. Say man, can I turn on the radio? You should slow down. Why do we gotta keep going in circles? Man, you really like Tide...
BaconLettuceNinja wrote:Further proof that Colin Kolles should have remained a dentist.
Kolles's legacy at HRT is a bit mixed, I would argue - it is true that, under Kolles, HRT was barely functioning, but at the same time it has to be borne in mind that Kolles didn't exactly take over in auspicious circumstances either (all that Campos had, in effect, were the entry rights for the 2010 season plus contracts with Xtrac, Cosworth and Dallara, all three of which were considering cancelling their contracts due to non payment of funds). In the end, I guess that Kolles was somewhat necessary for the short term, in that he at least kept HRT alive for those first few crucial years (even if he ran the team in a fairly brutal manner at times), but at the same time the limited resources that he had (considering that the team was set up as a customer racing team, he was always going to be dependent on external suppliers and consultants) and the way in which he ran the team was never going to see them making any real progress.
Perez-Sala's centralisation of resources should at least see the team finally settle down somewhat and hopefully start making some progress, and it does sound as if Perez-Sala is going to follow a similar strategy to Caterham, albeit on a slightly smaller scale (particularly with regards development - Caterham have also been focussing closest on developing certain aerodynamic parts most heavily).
Martin Brundle, on watching a replay of Grosjean spinning: "The problem with Grosjean is that he want to take a look back at the corner he's just exited"
BaconLettuceNinja wrote:Further proof that Colin Kolles should have remained a dentist.
Kolles's legacy at HRT is a bit mixed, I would argue - it is true that, under Kolles, HRT was barely functioning, but at the same time it has to be borne in mind that Kolles didn't exactly take over in auspicious circumstances either (all that Campos had, in effect, were the entry rights for the 2010 season plus contracts with Xtrac, Cosworth and Dallara, all three of which were considering cancelling their contracts due to non payment of funds). In the end, I guess that Kolles was somewhat necessary for the short term, in that he at least kept HRT alive for those first few crucial years (even if he ran the team in a fairly brutal manner at times), but at the same time the limited resources that he had (considering that the team was set up as a customer racing team, he was always going to be dependent on external suppliers and consultants) and the way in which he ran the team was never going to see them making any real progress.
Perez-Sala's centralisation of resources should at least see the team finally settle down somewhat and hopefully start making some progress, and it does sound as if Perez-Sala is going to follow a similar strategy to Caterham, albeit on a slightly smaller scale (particularly with regards development - Caterham have also been focussing closest on developing certain aerodynamic parts most heavily).
Mario,
What interest me more is that Kolles took €5m a year from any "profits" the team make and that the team was left in chaos again.
Just imagine if the management now was in charge in 2011 we may have has a HRT car using the TF-110 chassis.
The interview proves yet again that HRT deserve to be in Formula1. Other teams have joined or planned to join, yet everything has fallen apart quickly. HRT continue to grow. Look at the mess surrounding USF1. And HRT have now lasted several races more than Super Aguri. Although you can blame Nick Fry for that
And you can't direct all the previous failings on Kolles' shoulders. He had his good moments running a backmarker team. Midland wasn't all that but Spyker showed promise before being sold.
RIP NAN - 26/12/2014 RIP DAD - 9/2/2015
Currently building a Subaru Impreza to compete in the 2016 MSV Trophy. PremierInn spokesperson for Great Ormond Street Hospital
I'd guess Colin Kolles "realised" that when he took this team over that this would most likely be a short-term effort, not expecting it to survive for too long (as most of F1 and its fandom did - yeah, you too, admit it you cowards. ). So I figured that he did what he felt was a wise choice, try to make as much money out of the mess as possible, it's what I would do if I would be asked to take over a team on the edge of disaster in any sport I wouldn't happen to be fan of.
And unless you are the military, it is kind of hard to have any significant organisation when your daily work boils down to "Survive at any cost", so I personally will not blame Kolles for troubles in that regard.
Yeah im afraid the chances of HRT scoring a point are pretty small, reliability is pretty much close to perfect, Theres been barely any races thus far that could be so wet the drivers dont whinge about it raining and at the same time drivers spin n crash off.
Wizzie wrote: YES! Proof that the campaign finally worked!
They were more interesting when they were absolutely hopeless.
Right now it's kinda like watching a backmarker in a Endurance series make and develop their own car. It's enjoyable to see them make progress and punch above their weight. (the Primetime Viper from 2008 and 2009 comes to mind, as does the Robertson Ford GT)
Or more interesting in a rejectful way, how many laps in the NASCAR races will each of the start and park teams last before they head to the garage? Start and park teams are teams that race for a few laps then park the car to get a paycheck and/or to fund other cars for that team. Totally rejectful enough to make HRT look good.
golic_2004 wrote:Or more interesting in a rejectful way, how many laps in the NASCAR races will each of the start and park teams last before they head to the garage? Start and park teams are teams that race for a few laps then park the car to get a paycheck and/or to fund other cars for that team. Totally rejectful enough to make HRT look good.
That concept is so rejectful it makes Andrea Moda look good.
I think HRT would be in the deep if he was not there. Before he took over, it looked like they would not make the 2010 grid, as Campos had very little to work with. Kolles seems to be a real businessman, arguably the best for HRT at that time, like making every dollar count and the 5% profit as mentioned on a previous post.
On that note, the claims that Kolles asked passengers to carry some car parts in their carry on luggage to Australia were classic reject moments, something that we miss! I would have considered taking a car part or two, barring it wasnt illegal (as you would then be on Banged up Abroad!) in exchange for a money can buy paddock pass or two!
On a brighter note, it is pleasing to see HRT still on the grid, and in a much more better position both on and off the track. I am a fan, and love their interrativity with their fan base during race weekends.
Miserable Thierry (Boutsen) staggers round mostly on ten cylinders (out of 12) with no clutch, low oil pressure, bad brakes and no grip to finish tenth, 3 laps down...
(Murray Walkers review of Boutsen's Brazil 1991 race).
Some extracts from Luis Perez - Sala's Q&A today :-
We’re at the halfway point of the season, what assessment do you make of these first months?
My assessment couldn’t be more positive. Our start to the season was complicated. As we’ve already said on multiple occasions, we’ve almost changed the entire team, we’ve moved to a new headquarters where we’ve been based since early April, and all of this whilst we built a new car. It was a very ambitious challenge, a priori it was impossible to accomplish, but we’ve made it with very limited resources. Once we settled in, from April and May onwards, we started to get a race rhythm going. It’s safe to say we’ve encountered some very intense months where the team has given its all, because we’ve been able to carry out everything we set out to do.
What has surprised you most? And what has been most rewarding?
In truth, nothing has surprised me too much, because I came with an open mind and ready to tackle anything that was thrown at me. What I would say is that the most rewarding thing has been to see the commitment of everyone implicated in this project. These people have been united in very difficult moments and have shown bravery, honour and responsibility to continue supporting this project in the toughest moments. It’s not easy to work and perform to the best of your ability having not slept much, being away from home for weeks or going through uncomfortable journeys, but the members of this team have done it, and that’s something to be thankful for. And that work and commitment is giving its rewards meaning that, not only us but everyone can start to feel proud and a part of this project.
Would you say that the set targets for this first half of the season have been accomplished?
Yes, we have accomplished the targets we set ourselves, which were none other than to carry out the great structural change which we’ve done and start to have the necessary stability to be able to grow. This is a target that seems modest but it has implied a radical change. Towards the end of 2011 the decision was made to move the headquarters to Spain, create a new car and have an initial standard that would enable us to be within the 107% comfortably, to then grow from there. And we have achieved all of that, so we can say that we’ve accomplished our objectives. Now we must set ourselves new ones.
And what’s the most complicated challenge that the team has to face?
From here the most important and complicated challenge is to continue growing in the right direction, optimizing our resources, and getting the car to perform better. This is the hardest thing because, whilst other teams have a consolidated structure, we’re still in a transition period. In that sense they’ve also got an advantage over us. But especially because we have limited human and economic resources and that means that the upgrade plan has to be very clear and whatever we introduce will result in an important difference. It really has to represent a step forwards. The most complicated thing now is to not be dropped off by the other teams whilst we finish defining our own team and evolve and prepare the future.
The F112 is a new car completely, what do you make of it? Do you think its maximum potential has been extracted?
I think that, overall, the F112 is a car that has given quite a good result, keeping in mind how it started. In winter I had a lot of doubts, because the car was handed to us and we didn’t have enough time to review it. The proceedings and deadlines weren’t the usual ones and that forced us to go quicker to make up for lost time and organize the different parties implicated in the project to make it on time. But even with all these obstacles, the car has given good results. It has a good base and that’s its biggest strength. It’s a reliable car with good mechanical resistance and it offers a lot of possibilities for its development. I’d say we’re at 50% of its potential and we can still extract another 50%, mainly in aerodynamics.
Will there be any upgrades after the summer break?
Yes, we have some upgrades prepared for the Singapore Grand Prix. As a small team we can’t afford small upgrades every two or three races because the cost of an upgrade or creating a new piece for a small upgrade is very high. Besides the aerodynamic study, you have to produce the parts and that also implies a lot of time. So we have to make the most of any changes and have a very clear idea of the direction we want to take for those upgrades to be productive.
We’ve been able to see how much of an influence the weather has on various races this season. How much can it affect a team’s decision making and what challenges does it present during a race?
We’re also learning in this aspect. We’re not in the fight for points and the fact that we get lapped means that our strategy is always conditioned. But it serves us to accumulate experience and, hopefully not in too long, when we’re a part of the battle for points or a fight for better positions, we will be much better prepared to make the right decisions. In any case you’ve never got everything perfectly under control because legendary teams still occasionally make mistakes, so there’s always something to learn.
The combination of Pedro and Narain as official drivers, Dani as reserve driver and Ma in the development programme is proving to be very positive. What would you highlight about each one?
I’d highlight everything about Pedro. He’s an extraordinary person and an excellent driver. Apart from his experience he’s got a lot of common sense and he acts as the leader of the team. There’s no doubt that he’s the cornerstone of this project. From Narain I’d emphasize his experience, safety and speed, besides the stability he contributes to the team. Dani is a young driver, with strength and ambition and he’s adapted phenomenally well to the team in a position which isn’t easy, which is that of the reserve driver. Ma is a driver who will surprise us all because he has great potential. We saw it when he tested the F112 in Silverstone, where he showed his quality. He’s a hard worker and he has also adapted perfectly. I’m very proud and satisfied with the structure of drivers that we have and each one plays their role perfectly.
What needs to happen for you to consider this a successful season once the championship is over?
For me it would be a success to maintain the reliability we have and improve our performance a little bit more. To achieve this I hope that the aero package that we will introduce after the summer will help us to take the next step. The objective is to stay between the 104 and 105% and have the project for 2013 prepared. If we achieve all of this I’d be satisfied. Besides I hope that the team is fully functioning, with the design and aerodynamics department working at the Caja Mágica, although to achieve this we need a bit more time.
Formula 1 is going through a period of changes with the renegotiation of the Concorde Agreement or the new engines for 2014. What’s the team’s view on each of these very important issues for the future?
HRT Formula 1 Team’s standpoint is open for now. As for the new ruling on engines, we’re waiting to have all the possible information, especially with everything related to the costs that this change implies. We still don’t know all the details, but for us it is of vital importance to know them to see where we stand and what decision we make because this takes up between 15 and 20% of the team’s budget. This is a change that needs important planning that must be done well. As for the Concorde Agreement, I don’t think there will be any problems because, although we’re a small team, we feel that we’re taken into consideration and supported.
I did some research, they are a Travel Agency company if that is correct
Miserable Thierry (Boutsen) staggers round mostly on ten cylinders (out of 12) with no clutch, low oil pressure, bad brakes and no grip to finish tenth, 3 laps down...
(Murray Walkers review of Boutsen's Brazil 1991 race).
eurobrun wrote:HRT actually look like a serious team this year.
I'll consider them a serious team when I get my membership card...
Mitch Hedberg wrote:I want to be a race car passenger: just a guy who bugs the driver. Say man, can I turn on the radio? You should slow down. Why do we gotta keep going in circles? Man, you really like Tide...
Still waiting for mine, but loosing patience. They will probably personally send it to my place in March (Australian Grand Prix) !!!
Miserable Thierry (Boutsen) staggers round mostly on ten cylinders (out of 12) with no clutch, low oil pressure, bad brakes and no grip to finish tenth, 3 laps down...
(Murray Walkers review of Boutsen's Brazil 1991 race).
eurobrun wrote:HRT actually look like a serious team this year.
I'll consider them a serious team when I get my membership card...
Waaaaiiit a sec, I'm kinda out of the loop. Membership cards!?
Apparently, once you register as a member of the fanclub, HRT are supposed to send you a membership card. It's been about two months now and I still haven't got mine yet
Biscione wrote:"Some Turkemenistani gulag repurposed for residential use" is the best way yet I've heard to describe North / East Glasgow.
BaconLettuceNinja wrote: I'll consider them a serious team when I get my membership card...
Waaaaiiit a sec, I'm kinda out of the loop. Membership cards!?
Apparently, once you register as a member of the fanclub, HRT are supposed to send you a membership card. It's been about two months now and I still haven't got mine yet
I don't think they can afford postage to Australia
HRT F1 Team wrote:Production Resource Group (PRG), the largest company in the audiovisual services industry worldwide, has reached an agreement with HRT Formula 1 Team by which it becomes its Official Supplier of Audiovisual Technology until December of 2012. PRG will cover all of the Spanish team’s technical audiovisual needs both at its headquarters at the Caja Mágica and at events taking place away from it.
With the incorporation of Production Resource Group, the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology and currently operating worldwide with offices scattered throughout five different continents, HRT Formula 1 Team takes another firm step towards its objective of consolidating itself and growing.
Luis Briz, Account Manager Spain: "PRG joins HRT Formula 1 Team’s group of suppliers with the aim of covering all of its technical audiovisual needs both at its headquarters and away from it, guaranteeing an extremely professional service in all of its events and corporate acts. From our company we will help and support the evolution and growth of the team day by day”.
Luis Pérez-Sala, Team Principal: "Formula 1 is sport and technology but also a spectacle. Image is very important and that is why we’re very happy to welcome our new partner Production Resource Group, who is the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology, to cover all our technical audiovisual needs for event and corporate acts. Alliances such as this one enable us to continue growing and establish ourselves in all aspects of such a competitive and global world as is Formula 1”.
You know, for all those audiovisual needs an F1 team has.
HRT F1 Team wrote:Production Resource Group (PRG), the largest company in the audiovisual services industry worldwide, has reached an agreement with HRT Formula 1 Team by which it becomes its Official Supplier of Audiovisual Technology until December of 2012. PRG will cover all of the Spanish team’s technical audiovisual needs both at its headquarters at the Caja Mágica and at events taking place away from it.
With the incorporation of Production Resource Group, the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology and currently operating worldwide with offices scattered throughout five different continents, HRT Formula 1 Team takes another firm step towards its objective of consolidating itself and growing.
Luis Briz, Account Manager Spain: "PRG joins HRT Formula 1 Team’s group of suppliers with the aim of covering all of its technical audiovisual needs both at its headquarters and away from it, guaranteeing an extremely professional service in all of its events and corporate acts. From our company we will help and support the evolution and growth of the team day by day”.
Luis Pérez-Sala, Team Principal: "Formula 1 is sport and technology but also a spectacle. Image is very important and that is why we’re very happy to welcome our new partner Production Resource Group, who is the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology, to cover all our technical audiovisual needs for event and corporate acts. Alliances such as this one enable us to continue growing and establish ourselves in all aspects of such a competitive and global world as is Formula 1”.
You know, for all those audiovisual needs an F1 team has.
This new sponsor/partnership may give HRT some TV's for the cars, since the start of the season Pedro and Narain have been using those Kangroo TV things...
cbbcisace wrote:This new sponsor/partnership may give HRT some TV's for the cars, since the start of the season Pedro and Narain have been using those Kangroo TV things...
Now that's the reject spririt I'm looking for
kevinbotz wrote:Cantonese is a completely nonsensical f*cking alien language masquerading as some grossly bastardised form of Chinese
Gonzo wrote:Wasn't there some sort of communisim in the East part of Germany?
cbbcisace wrote:This new sponsor/partnership may give HRT some TV's for the cars, since the start of the season Pedro and Narain have been using those Kangroo TV things...
Now that's the reject spririt I'm looking for
Wow, that is one of the best things I have read in a while.
aerond wrote:Yes RDD, but we always knew you never had any sort of taste either
tommykl wrote:I have a shite car and meme sponsors, but Corrado Fabi will carry me to the promised land with the power of Lionel Richie.
HRT do a little better towards end of season, then PRG continues their deal until the end of next season.
They then do an absolute spectacular show as the F113 is rolled out. An all new chassis with major changes. Then de la Rosa, Clos, Karthikeyan, Liuzzi and Ma all arrive on the scene, with rock, scissors and paper deciding who gets second drive.
Miserable Thierry (Boutsen) staggers round mostly on ten cylinders (out of 12) with no clutch, low oil pressure, bad brakes and no grip to finish tenth, 3 laps down...
(Murray Walkers review of Boutsen's Brazil 1991 race).
David AGS wrote:HRT do a little better towards end of season, then PRG continues their deal until the end of next season.
They then do an absolute spectacular show as the F113 is rolled out. An all new chassis with major changes. Then de la Rosa, Clos, Karthikeyan, Liuzzi and Ma all arrive on the scene, with rock, scissors and paper deciding who gets second drive.
I would love this to happen.
aerond wrote:Yes RDD, but we always knew you never had any sort of taste either
tommykl wrote:I have a shite car and meme sponsors, but Corrado Fabi will carry me to the promised land with the power of Lionel Richie.
