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Ecclestone helping HRT secure deal to develop car

ESPNF1 Staff
May 18, 2010 « Spare cars should return - Domenicali | »
HRT is confident of having a more competitive car in 2011 © Getty Images
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HRT boss Colin Kolles has confirmed Bernie Ecclestone is helping the team secure a technical deal for 2011.

F1 CEO Ecclestone said in Monaco: "HRT has got problems. I will sort it out." However, subsequent reports have clarified that his assistance will not be financial but to help the team develop a car for next season. HRT's contract with its car designer Dallara has lapsed, and Kolles has been working on securing a deal with a wind tunnel to design an all-new car for 2011.

"Obviously we are still not competitive enough, even for our expectations as a new team, and we are seeking solutions for the future," he told Spain's AS. "We are optimistic and Bernie is helping us to ensure a better 2011."

Kolles insists the speculation about HRT collapsing is wide of the mark, amid suggestions the team could run out of spare parts by June's race in Montreal.

"The team will complete the season and we are already planning for the next one," he said. "We hope to make an announcement next month - certainly before the Canadian Grand Prix - about our plans to build our own chassis."

It is also reported that Geoff Willis, currently just a consultant to HRT, is set to stay with the team because of its ambitious technical plans for 2011.

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