• European Grand Prix

HRT looking to build on Canada promise

De la Rosa was running ahead of the Marussias before his retirement in Canada © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• European Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Narain Karthikeyan
• |
• Pedro de la Rosa

• Teams:
• HRT

For Pedro de la Rosa, the European Grand Prix in Valencia marks the second home grand prix of the season for the veteran Spanish driver.

Despite failing to finish the Canadian Grand Prix, de la Rosa enjoyed a competitive outing ahead of both Marussias before excessive brake wear got the better of him. And the Spaniard is looking to another positive outing in Valencia.

"Just like in Barcelona, I'm really looking forward to racing in front of our home fans in Valencia," said De la Rosa. "At the Valencia Street Circuit we will encounter high air and track temperatures so the brakes will be put through their paces once again, but we're confident we can make the necessary modifications to overcome the problems we experienced in Canada.

"Valencia has long straights but overtaking isn't easy and it is a high-downforce track. I think we can do quite well here, although it's not as favourable to our car as Canada, because there are a lot of braking areas and slow corners which are good for us. We're looking forward to putting in a good performance in front of our fans and we want to continue with our progress from the last few races, where we've been at a good standard, but here we want to confirm this improvement in the race."

Team-mate Narain Karthikeyan, who also retired in Canada, is similarly hopeful his team can build on the promise shown in Montreal.

"Yes the walls are close but the adrenaline factor isn't close to Monaco or even Montreal. But on the back of the promise we showed in Canada, I'm looking forward to the race and hopefully we'll have a chance to build on it this time," said Karthikeyan.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.