HRT Looking Forward To “Special” Indian Grand Prix Weekend

HRT are greatly looking forward to next weekend’s Indian Grand Prix around the Buddh International Circuit, which promises to be a particularly special occasion for the Spanish outfit with Narain Karthikeyan once again set to be the only local driver on the grid. Pedro de la Rosa has never raced at the circuit, and is eager to get racing,

This year’s Indian Grand Prix is only the second running of the event, with the still relatively new Buddh International Circuit awaiting the 24 drivers. Pedro de la Rosa is expected to spend as much time as possible learning the Indian circuit during the three practice sessions at the beginning of the weekend, with the Spaniard having only ever raced the circuit on the simulator.

“Just like Korea this will be a new circuit for me and all I know of it is from the work I did on the simulator last year.” Explained Pedro de la Rosa, “From what I know it’s an interesting circuit with a lot of medium and fast corners where we will have two DRS zones. It will be interesting to see how the asphalt has evolved from one year to another because last year it was brand new and quite dirty. I must admit that, overall, it’s a circuit that I like the look of. We hope to have solved the reliability issues which we suffered in Korea and complete another good race here.”

Pedro de la Rosa was unfortunate to retire from the Korean Grand Prix last time out, suffering from an issue with the throttle pedal throughout the early stages of the race. This forced the team to retire the F1 veteran due to safety fears, with Narain Karthikeyan eventually finishing 20th after the 55-lap race.

Karthikeyan was the only local driver on the grid during last season’s Indian Grand Prix.

Narain Karthikeyan is preparing to contest in his second home race, after finishing last season’s inaugural Indian Grand Prix 17th for HRT. Once again, Karthikeyan will be the only local driver on the grid next weekend, and is understandably eager to get behind the wheel once track action begins with the opening practice session of the weekend next Friday.

“Obviously this is the most anticipated race on the calendar for me and there is already a great buzz around the event.” Said Narain Karthikeyan, “The layout of the Buddh International Circuit is a great mix which makes it challenging for the tyres as there are very few conventional straight-forward corners but since the surface isn’t abrasive at all, wear shouldn’t be an issue. I’ve got great memories from last year’s Grand Prix as I had a great weekend; the car was good and we were quick. I hope this year things go even better and I can dedicate it to the fans who are showing me so much support. I can’t wait to get out on track!”

After enduring a tough start to the season, HRT have gradually improved at the back of the pack as the season has progressed. As the season enters its final four races, the Madrid-based outfit will be striving to continue reeling in the likes of Marussia and Caterham as the battle at the back of pack rages on.

Picture(s) Copyright © HRT F1 Team & Getty Images