De la Rosa sees HRT in the points in 2 years
Pedro de la Rosa believes that team HRT can only improve given its current level. The Spanish driver is very optimistic and ambitious as he thinks that HRT could reasonably aim for points within two seasons.
Pedro de la Rosa has decided to join the HRT team for the 2012 season. The Spanish driver has signed a two-year contract with the Hispania team. He will therefore make his return to F1 in 2012 after almost a year without racing – he conducted tests for Pirelli in 2011 and also replaced Sergio Perez at Sauber during the Canadian Grand Prix.
Even though he has only raced a little in Grand Prix over the last 12 months, de la Rosa believes he will be able to quickly return to his optimal form.
«As I raced for Sauber in 2010, did numerous tests with Pirelli in 2011, as well as the Canadian Grand Prix for Sauber, I think I would need two weeks to get back in shape. Last year, I did simulation tests with McLaren, which helped me stay in good shape. So I don’t think it will take too long,» said Pedro de la Rosa to Corrida F1.
Even though the former test driver for the McLaren team is aware of the difficulties facing the HRT team, he is convinced that it will be able to grow in the coming years. He even believes that it will be able to fight for points within two years.
I am not afraid to say that for the moment, we are the last team (even though HRT finished ahead of Virgin in 2010 and 2011). But I hope we can improve, develop the team, and even score a few points within two years.
Pedro de la Rosa also believes that with his experience, he can advise the team’s management to turn it into a true structure capable of succeeding in F1.
I learned that to win, you don’t just need brilliant people. You need a very structured organization. I learned how difficult it is to find the last two tenths in a car and how expensive it is. Honestly, what was great about McLaren is that I never stopped learning from people who are very talented and intelligent.
But until the team is completely restructured, it is in the process of designing a single-seater that should only be unveiled and ready for the second private test session in Barcelona.
According to our schedule, the single-seater (2012) will be ready for the second test session which will take place in Barcelona. The plan is to do the first tests with the 2011 single-seater, specified Pedro de la Rosa.
