HRT disappointed with double DNF at their home race

F1 Grand Prix, GP Spain, Circuit de Catalunya

Karun Chandhok and Bruno Senna both had strong starts but different fortunes in HRT F1 Team, Hispania Racing’s home Grand Prix. Bruno Senna ran wide into the gravel at turn 4 on the opening lap and Karun Chandhok, who started with a five-place grid penalty for gearbox replacement had a strong race but could not avoid a collision with Alguersuari during lapping.

The nose of Karun’s car was damaged and the Indian driver had to pit on lap 27 with a nose and tyres change. He had to park due to more heavy damages caused by this incident and Alguersuari got a drive-through penalty for causing a collision.

Dr. Colin Kolles, Team Principal, commented:“I am disappointed that we didn’t finish our home race. It’s a real pity because both drivers had good starts. Bruno Senna had to stop on the opening lap despite a very strong start which moved him up to 17th from 21st on the grid. Karun Chandhok was similarly strong and had a very good pace but retired mid-race after contact with Alguersuari. At least, the performance was much better than in Qualifying yesterday. Now, we look ahead to next weekend and are determined to have a good result in Monaco.”

Karun Chandhok commented:“I am very disappointed with the outcome of the race. It's a real shame what happened with Jaime. I stayed out of his way, kept the car completely straight and he just turned left into me. I was really pleased with my race until then. ‎I had a good first lap and was trying to be sensible with the option tyre and get them to last. My pace relative to the other new cars was good and I was pulling away from Di Grassi quite comfortably. In the end, although we changed the front wing, the damage to the front right suspension was too much and I had to stop. It is a disappointing end to a good day for the team."

Bruno Senna commented:“I made a great start and was able to pass a good number of drivers and make up a few places. I was in 17th it was a good opportunity to show what I am able to do in F1. At Turn 4 the car just caught me out and unfortunately my race ended there. I am very disappointed not to finish our home race and had to retire in front of our fans on a track that I like very much. Let’s look at the Monaco Grand Prix where I feel at home".