• Australian Grand Prix

HRT insists it will be ready for Melbourne

Unknown quantity - HRT launches its new F111 in the pitlane last Friday © Sutton Images

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HRT has played down suggestions it will not be ready to field a car at the Australian Grand Prix in a fortnight's time after failing to run its new F111 at all during pre-season testing.

The F111 was finally launched in the Barcelona pitlane last Friday but was tested because the team said vital parts had been held by Spanish customs.

"It is certain that we will be in Australia and race there," owner Jose Ramon Carabante told El Pais. "Maybe we will not finish the first race, we'll see, but the car will develop from here with the clear aim of fighting with and beating the other two teams that started last year."

HRT has said the F111 is entirely new, but expert observers pointed out striking similarities with the back-of-the-grid car of 2010.

"We are relying on last year's chassis," admitted chief engineer Toni Cuquerella, "but 95% of the car is new. We have a Cosworth engine with the latest specification and we have adapted the chassis for the new gearbox and hydraulics supplied to us by Williams.

"The collaboration with them has allowed us to make a technological step of three years. It is clear that the car is much better than last year's."

El Pais said HRT's 2011 budget is €45 million, to potentially be covered by some as yet unsigned sponsors. "We are negotiating with several sponsors," said Carabante, who is reportedly willing to make up the shortfall if the budget is not finally completed.

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