• Australian Grand Prix - Qualifying

HRT refused permission to race

ESPNF1 Staff
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Narain Karthikeyan was the quicker of the two drivers but still 1.2s outside the 107% time © Getty Images
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HRT will not be allowed to take part in the Australian Grand Prix after failing to qualify within the 107% time.

Having not tested the car during pre-season, limited running on Friday left HRT with an uphill struggle to get any kind of performance out of the car. With Narain Karthikeyan and Pedro de la Rosa only managing 25 dry laps between them during FP3 qualifying proved to be extremely challenging and both drivers were well outside the 107% time of 1:32.214.

Following a request from HRT to still participate in the race on Sunday, the race stewards decided against waiving the ruling.

"The stewards having considered all relevant material decide not to allow both cars to take part in the race in accordance with Article 36.1 FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations," a statement read.

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