Friday: Progression Expected for HRT

Pedro de la Rosa – 23rd and 23rd:

« In the first session, we mainly focused on learning the circuit. It is just as I imagined, even though it was more physically demanding, especially in the first session. The second session was a bit easier, and since I already knew the circuit, we decided to install the new undercarriage. Now, we need to analyze the data to fully understand how it works and how the different tests we conducted went, especially with different weights on the rear. From there, we should be able to assess the extent of the improvements and what we can gain from them. »

Ma Qing Hua – 24th [Free Practice 1]

« It was fantastic to drive the F112 once again and to do so on such a spectacular circuit. We had a good session, and I learned a lot. We started off calmly because the track conditions, which were wet, were not easy. We went out on intermediate tires because the team wanted me to be comfortable and adapt to the track before switching to softs. I improved my lap times lap by lap; it was the first time I drove a Formula 1 in wet conditions, on a night urban circuit, so I am happy with the result. »

Narain Karthikeyan – 24th [Free Practice 2]

The objective was to adapt to the track because street circuits are always difficult, and the important thing was to string together laps and gain confidence. The track is very physically demanding, not only because of the heat but because it’s a stop-and-go circuit. We must be happy with how the session went overall because we did a good job, but tomorrow we will have to take another step forward with the car to make progress. And I am also very happy with the confidence and support that Tata Tea shows me, with their presence on my helmet and my bottles at this race.