Q+A with Colin Kolles

Hispania Racing's Team Principal Colin Kolles is upbeat about his teams chances and is glad to get his drivers some track time with the Pirelli tyres as of the first test in Valencia that starts on 1 February. And while the first tests will be fun with the F110, HRT is planning on introducing the new F111 in Bahrain.

As we are now nearing the first test of 2011, Can you give us some details about the car that the Team is using? "The 2010 car will be utilized at the first tests, and as soon as the 2011 car is ready, we will implement it. The plan is to use the 2011 car at the Bahrain test. The 2011 car will be a completely new car, and will be called F111."

The Spanish tests seem to be a very good opportunity for the Hispania Racing drivers to test the new tyres. What is your opinion? "Last year we didn´t have the opportunity to do the tests, and this new season we are able to give our drivers the opportunity to do more millage and to get used to the Pirelli tyres. So, yes, the Spanish tests are very important for us."

What are your impressions of the F111 progress up until now? Who is working on it? "The F111 is being made by Hispania Racing with several groups of engineers. At the moment, there are approximately 40 designers finalizing the first spec, under the leadership of Geoff Willis as Technical Director and Paul White as Chief Designer."

What can you say about Hispania Racing line up for 2011? Is the Team preparing any announcement for the next weeks? "Let´s see. In the next few days there will be several announcements. The second driver has not been decided yet, because we have to make sure that we are making the best choice. We are making progress in all areas which is positive, working very hard, and the results will be shown and be announced very soon."