The HRT thread

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 19 Sep 2011, 11:45

Captain Hammer wrote:
Wizzie wrote:My money is on that he'll replace Tonio since he has V8 Supercar duties to attend to.

Yes, he does - the week before the Indian Grand Prix.

If Karthikeyan replaced Liuzzi and Chandhok got backing to race at Buddh, replacing Trulli (as Tony Fernandes has said would happen if he gets the drive), then there would be no Italians on the grid. When was the last time that happened?

If I researched well it was in 1996 Japan GP where the only Italian driver, the great Giovanni Lavaggi, did not qualified his Minardi failing to be present on Sunday starting grid. In the 2005 Indianapolis GP both Fisichella and Trulli were present (and Trulli was on pole) they were on the grid until, well, you know what happened next...

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 19 Sep 2011, 19:00

DanielPT wrote:
Captain Hammer wrote:
Wizzie wrote:My money is on that he'll replace Tonio since he has V8 Supercar duties to attend to.

Yes, he does - the week before the Indian Grand Prix.

If Karthikeyan replaced Liuzzi and Chandhok got backing to race at Buddh, replacing Trulli (as Tony Fernandes has said would happen if he gets the drive), then there would be no Italians on the grid. When was the last time that happened?

If I researched well it was in 1996 Japan GP where the only Italian driver, the great Giovanni Lavaggi, did not qualified his Minardi failing to be present on Sunday starting grid. In the 2005 Indianapolis GP both Fisichella and Trulli were present (and Trulli was on pole) they were on the grid until, well, you know what happened next...

What about none even showing up? As Trulli is not trying to qualify, the equivalent situation would basically be if no Italians even showed up. Now I would imagine that would be much much harder to find...I wonder if that has ever happened?

Post by **mario** » 19 Sep 2011, 19:52

kostas22 wrote:What about none even showing up? As Trulli is not trying to qualify, the equivalent situation would basically be if no Italians even showed up. Now I would imagine that would be much much harder to find...I wonder if that has ever happened?

It looks like it has happened a few times, such as the French GP in 1962 (Ferrari withdrew its nominated drivers, and the sole remaining Italian driver, Carlo Maria Abate, withdrew his entry for Scuderia Senenissima after an accident).

By the looks of things, in 1973 there were multiple races where no Italian drivers raced; the Swedish GP, where no Italian drivers had been entered (Galli had retired, whilst de Adamich and Merzario were, presumably, elsewhere in sports cars), along with the Dutch and German GP's (Ferrari withdrew its drivers from those races, whilst de Adamich had retired from F1 after his injuries in the British GP).
In fact, if I am correct, the 1973 German GP is notable because there was no identifiably Italian participation at all - with Ferrari withdrawing, and Amon's Tecno unavailable, there were no Italian manufacturers or drivers present on the grid altogether.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 22 Sep 2011, 21:31

Geoff Willis has left the building.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 23 Sep 2011, 10:57

Wizzie wrote:Geoff Willis has left the building.

Time will tell if this was a rejectful move from HRT. Although it is hard so see them worse than they are now, even with the 107% rule.

Post by **Londoner** » 22 Oct 2011, 18:55

'BUMP'

Just confirming what most of us already knew was going to happen. Now, will Team Caterham follow suit and put Chandhok in the car?

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/10/22/liuzzi-stand-karthikeyan-india/

RealRacingRoots · Post by **RealRacingRoots** » 22 Oct 2011, 19:23

Now comes the challenge to keep both HRT threads alive now that both have gotten bumped.

Post by **mario** » 24 Oct 2011, 20:12

RealRacingRoots wrote:Now comes the challenge to keep both HRT threads alive now that both have gotten bumped.

Well, perhaps this one can be kept alive to a certain extent with this post (it might be from Joe Saward but it is about recent personnel changes, and as such doesn't contain any of his more specious speculation). http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/changes/

Now, if it is true that Jorg Zander does not want to be involved in the design process of the F112, and may be reconsidering his relationship with HRT, then it is beginning to sound as if HRT's high profile signing might be beginning to backfire on them - and it also makes you wonder whether Zander has found something within the team that isn't at all to his liking...

S951 · Post by **S951** » 24 Oct 2011, 20:59

looks like they are boned no zander

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 24 Oct 2011, 22:19

Mario,

Couple of things:-

the F112 has been designed already by the large amounts from Geoff Willis and Im not sure Jorg Zander has ever joined the team.

Any more ideas on the whole relocation and who could possibly be the new Technical Director?

I know they have implemented a new design team already, they just need a leader.

Don't ask me about drivers for next year, I have no idea!!

S951 · Post by **S951** » 24 Oct 2011, 22:40

regards the discussion of hrt using fi 09 car as a show car fair play looks ok from this pic

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid= ... 3237_n.jpg

interesting discussion on f1tech about it

Post by **mario** » 25 Oct 2011, 12:29

cbbcisace wrote:Mario,

Couple of things:-

the F112 has been designed already by the large amounts from Geoff Willis and Im not sure Jorg Zander has ever joined the team.

Any more ideas on the whole relocation and who could possibly be the new Technical Director?

I know they have implemented a new design team already, they just need a leader.

Don't ask me about drivers for next year, I have no idea!!

Sorry, you are correct - the initial reports by Adam Cooper and others had indicated that Zander was about to sign for the team which I initially misremembered as a confirmed signing, but now, on reviewing the posts, realise that they were mostly speculative.
Looking at Autosport's take on the matter, which now confirms that Zander seems to prefer running his own organisation, JZ Engineering GmbH, it suggests that Zander was to slot in alongside Stephane Schosse, who currently heads up HRT's Aerodynamics department. So, at a cautious guess it is possible that HRT might, if they are unable to recruit a new Technical Director in the current market, promote someone from within the team - perhaps Schosse - to Technical Director instead. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95641

As for the rumours about relocating operations, well, who knows what is going to happen there, save that it looks like Kolles and his own technical resources are unlikely to be involved if the rumours about a move to Spain are correct (some are suggesting that the staff and facilities of the former Epsilon Euskadi team, which I believe has now been declared bankrupt, might be targeted by HRT, though there isn't a great deal to back that up at the moment).

David AGS · Post by **David AGS** » 28 Oct 2011, 07:32

http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-photos/78 ... 03/#188303

Sponsors aplenty!

No, just Hero on the rear wing plate, and Base battery logo bigger now on front wing plate. Read somewhere Hero paying between $60,000 to $100,000 for the weekend only.

No more cool spot!

BTW, there is a (I think) an Indian chap who is with HRT, but was with Schuey at Ferrari for many years, and always in the photos with the team and Schuey himself, when they won just about every race.

Who is he, and whats his role...

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 28 Oct 2011, 13:46

I know it's only for this weekend, but it's still nice to see an HRT with a good collection of little sponsors, it does make the car better to look at. Shouldve moved the 'cool spot' onto the sidepod, or something like 'advertise here'.

Post by **mario** » 29 Oct 2011, 07:41

Autosport have announced that their new Technical Director will be promoted from within - their new head of technical operations is going to be Jacky Eeckelaert, who will be operating alongside Schosse in HRT's offices in Munich.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95743

RealRacingRoots · Post by **RealRacingRoots** » 29 Oct 2011, 07:59

mario wrote:
As for the rumours about relocating operations, well, who knows what is going to happen there, save that it looks like Kolles and his own technical resources are unlikely to be involved if the rumours about a move to Spain are correct (some are suggesting that the staff and facilities of the former Epsilon Euskadi team, which I believe has now been declared bankrupt, might be targeted by HRT, though there isn't a great deal to back that up at the moment).

Out of curiosity, what ended up being the fate of USF1's European Base that was near Motorland Aragon? I thought that if it was completed but vacant, HRT could move there in the future.

sswishbone · Post by **sswishbone** » 29 Oct 2011, 08:32

Karthekaiyan's engineer has just stated they are gonna wait for other cars to clean the track before going out :lol:

RealRacingRoots · Post by **RealRacingRoots** » 29 Oct 2011, 08:46

sswishbone wrote:Karthekaiyan's engineer has just stated they are gonna wait for other cars to clean the track before going out

That engineer got common sense, because my gosh it looks like a scene from Saving Private Ryan offline.

David AGS · Post by **David AGS** » 03 Nov 2011, 19:49

Now with KERS!!!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95867

Good to see them extending the technical partnership with Williams.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 08 Nov 2011, 15:43

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96017

In this link, Autosport does some analysis of the quickest average pitstop and HRT is an average 3.2s slower than Red Bull and Mercedes who share the lead. They look so heart-warming amateurish in comparison that one cannot do anything else than smile and feel more sympathy for their extraordinary foray in F1. Forget Team Lotus soul resurrection. This team really reminds us that there is still space in F1 for last century like heroic efforts who are 5 secs off the pace and keep trying to improve and get better. Some can do it, others can't, but I sure hope HRT does make it. This, my friends, is what Montezemolo and "the show" want to kill...

Cynon · Post by **Cynon** » 08 Nov 2011, 19:23

DanielPT wrote:http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96017

In this link, Autosport does some analysis of the quickest average pitstop and HRT is an average 3.2s slower than Red Bull and Mercedes who share the lead. They look so heart-warming amateurish in comparison that one cannot do anything else than smile and feel more sympathy for their extraordinary foray in F1. Forget Team Lotus soul resurrection. This team really reminds us that there is still space in F1 for last century like heroic efforts who are 5 secs off the pace and keep trying to improve and get better. Some can do it, others can't, but I sure hope HRT does make it. This, my friends, is what Montezemolo and "the show" want to kill...

Red Bull Racing has been watching NASCAR, clearly, because this is how many NASCAR races in the past few years have been won. Looks like they successfully adapted it to F1 as well.

Pointrox · Post by **Pointrox** » 09 Nov 2011, 18:25

Alright, I've been thinking...
Who will drive for HRT next season?

Here are my nominees:
- Javier Villa (has been mentioned as one of the possible drivers for the all-Spanish team)
- Dani Clos (another Spaniard, who will test for HRT in Abu Dhabi)
- Maria de Villotta (click here)
- Davide Valsecchi (was testing for HRT last year)
- Josef Kral (same)
- Giedo van der Garde (he's still around, with a lot of money)
- HWNSNBM (I wish)

It's about money, so quite possibly it can be someone else.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 09 Nov 2011, 18:36

If Colin Kolles is still involved with HRT for next season, you could look out for guys with money and a previous driving experience with Kolles.

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 09 Nov 2011, 18:37

Pointrox wrote:Alright, I've been thinking...
Who will drive for HRT next season?

Here are my nominees:
- Maria de Villotta (click here)

How reliable is this website? But regardless, to get the first female in a race seat since Amati in 1992 must attract some sponsorship to the team. If this comes to pass, HRT will become my new absolute favourite reject team...

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 09 Nov 2011, 18:54

dr-baker wrote:
Pointrox wrote:Alright, I've been thinking...
Who will drive for HRT next season?

Here are my nominees:
- Maria de Villotta (click here)

How reliable is this website? But regardless, to get the first female in a race seat since Amati in 1992 must attract some sponsorship to the team. If this comes to pass, HRT will become my new absolute favourite reject team...

I personally like the way she compares herself with Antonio Pizzonia and Enrique Bernoldi and promptly tells everyone she is capable of racing GP's. Makes me wonder if she actually saw them race in F1... A point for her is that at least she raced in a wide range of series. Having said this, I would prefer a woman racing F1 on merit. Or at least with a few GP2 races on her belt if nothing else.

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 09 Nov 2011, 19:11

DanielPT wrote:I personally like the way she compares herself with Antonio Pizzonia and Enrique Bernoldi and promptly tells everyone she is capable of racing GP's. Makes me wonder if she actually saw them race in F1...

So is de Villota confirmed for holding up Button in Monaco? If yes, I am looking forward to it.

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 09 Nov 2011, 21:51

Just glad she didn't sign for the 12th-fastest team for 2011... :oops:

Post by **mario** » 09 Nov 2011, 22:01

Cynon wrote:
DanielPT wrote:http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96017

In this link, Autosport does some analysis of the quickest average pitstop and HRT is an average 3.2s slower than Red Bull and Mercedes who share the lead. They look so heart-warming amateurish in comparison that one cannot do anything else than smile and feel more sympathy for their extraordinary foray in F1. Forget Team Lotus soul resurrection. This team really reminds us that there is still space in F1 for last century like heroic efforts who are 5 secs off the pace and keep trying to improve and get better. Some can do it, others can't, but I sure hope HRT does make it. This, my friends, is what Montezemolo and "the show" want to kill...

Red Bull Racing has been watching NASCAR, clearly, because this is how many NASCAR races in the past few years have been won. Looks like they successfully adapted it to F1 as well.

Mercedes have also picked up a few hints from NASCAR, particularly when it comes to changing wheels - to avoid the issue of cross threaded or dropped wheel nuts, I understand that Mercedes have copied a trick from NASCAR and pre-threaded the wheel nut onto the new wheel, with the nut held in place with a weak adhesive (so the wheel nut can be removed with a drill but doesn't drop out by itself).

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 09 Nov 2011, 22:38

Pointrox wrote:Alright, I've been thinking...
Who will drive for HRT next season?

Here are my nominees:
- Javier Villa (has been mentioned as one of the possible drivers for the all-Spanish team)
- Dani Clos (another Spaniard, who will test for HRT in Abu Dhabi)
- Maria de Villotta (click here)
- Davide Valsecchi (was testing for HRT last year)
- Josef Kral (same)
- Giedo van der Garde (he's still around, with a lot of money)
- HWNSNBM (I wish)

It's about money, so quite possibly it can be someone else.

Personally I think it is between:-

Vitantonio Liuzzi
Dani Clos
Giedo Van der Garde
Javier Villa

AdrianSutil · Post by **AdrianSutil** » 10 Nov 2011, 03:21

It could literally be anyone. But I wouldn't be surprised to find another one of Red Bull's junior drivers offered a seat. It's worked out pretty well for Ricciardo, who like Maldonado, has changed my opinion on him since the start.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 10 Nov 2011, 11:11

AdrianSutil wrote:It could literally be anyone. But I wouldn't be surprised to find another one of Red Bull's junior drivers offered a seat. It's worked out pretty well for Ricciardo, who like Maldonado, has changed my opinion on him since the start.

Jean-Eric Vergne anyone?

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 11 Nov 2011, 20:02

From the Press Conference:

2012 car will be at the 1st test
Spanish/Latin American to drive in the team for 2012
They are moving to Spain to house everything there but will design in Munich
Thesan Capital are in for the long haul

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 11 Nov 2011, 21:59

cbbcisace wrote:From the Press Conference:

2012 car will be at the 1st test

Well, let's see if the car manages to clear customs before the final test...

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 12 Nov 2011, 00:09

cbbcisace wrote:Spanish/Latin American to drive in the team for 2012

Really? If that's the case I think their missing on a good opportunity in leaving 1 seat to a Red Bull Development driver, as seen by Ricciardo this year, and then leaving the other seat to either an experienced driver or just a good old pay driver. It's got me thinking though. Their not many Spanish drivers out there. Alonso is a definite out. Alguersuari in my opinion is not leaving thanks to CEPSA, and he has IMO been the slightly better driver at STR this year. Forget Gene and de la Rosa, so that leaves the feeder series drivers. Mind you, I know nothing about the feeder series, all that I do know is that you cannot judge a driver by his points tally, as proved in GP2 by the entire F1R community praising Sam Bird. So yes, I don't know anything about Dani Clos, though he is getting the HRT drive at the Young Driver Test, we'll see how it goes there. Other than that, there is Albert Costa, whom IIRC won one of the Formula Renault titles last year? How has he done this year?

Anyway, onto Latin America, you have an endless list of drivers, but not one who seems to be free. Ideally, I think they would have loaned Gutierrez from Sauber, in the process persuading Telmex to pay a bit. But Esteban is already signed with ART for 2012. I'm a bit at a loss in this section.

If I was the boss at HRT, I'd want a Red Bull driver, either Vergne or Ricciardo, depends whoever goes to STR next year, because I am certain Buemi is out, and then someone like Robert Wickens, so long he brings SOME cash. Certainly I want to see HRT succeed. You may cry out BLASPHEMY because we all love reject teams, but seeing a reject team become great through hard work and effort is IMO just as pleasing!

Phoenix wrote:
cbbcisace wrote:From the Press Conference:

2012 car will be at the 1st test

Well, let's see if the car manages to clear customs before the final test...

solarcold · Post by **solarcold** » 13 Nov 2011, 08:48

Kolles is a talent. I hope he sticks with Tonio, whoever being the 2nd driver.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 13 Nov 2011, 10:36

Miguel Molina anyone? Kolles liked bringing in DTM drivers while he was at Midland...

Jeroen Krautmeir · Post by **Jeroen Krautmeir** » 13 Nov 2011, 10:38

kostas22 wrote:Miguel Molina anyone? Kolles liked bringing in DTM drivers while he was at Midland...

But does Kolles still have any significant influence within the team? Haven't heard anything from him in some time.

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 13 Nov 2011, 15:34

kostas22 wrote:Miguel Molina anyone? Kolles liked bringing in DTM drivers while he was at Midland...

That would actually be quite a good, I'd say. Kolles could do a lot worse.

Myrvold · Post by **Myrvold** » 13 Nov 2011, 16:12

Barrichello or Cecotto jr "The closest to a latino we could come".

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 13 Nov 2011, 18:33

Yes Rubens has been linked today:-

http://translate.google.com/translate?s ... oselle&act