26/03/2010
NEWS STORY
Karun Chandhok in chassis F110-01 completed 19 laps for a best time of 1:34.251 while Bruno Senna in F110-02 completed 24 with a best time of 1: 33.401. Karun's car featured improved gearbox hydraulics after his problems in Bahrain, while Bruno's had a new Cosworth engine following his overheating in Bahrain.
In the first of today's practice session the HRT F1 Team (Hispania Racing F1 Team) continued its development program at only the second Grand Prix of its short history. In the afternoon that process was hampered by a transmission problem for Karun Chandhok and fuel pressure gremlins for Bruno Senna. Nevertheless, Bruno's car has now covered its first race distance if the team takes into account all of the running from the Bahrain weekend.
The first session was productive for both drivers even though it was red flagged twice for incidents involving Kamui Kobayashi's BMW Sauber.
During the afternoon session a rain shower adversely affected the grip levels. Karun left the pits 30 minutes into that second session but within 100 meters stopped with a problem on the gearbox, leaving the car parked by the side of the track.
As track conditions later improved as the rain stopped and the surface dried again, Bruno was unable to take advantage as his car was suffering from fuel pressure problems.
Karun Chandhok: "We were ready straight away when the first session started and after a seven-lap run I achieved a best lap of 1m 36.259s. It was nice to do some useful laps again this morning, and a pity I had the gearbox problem in the second session."
Bruno Senna: "The morning's session was normal for us, but also served as a test session. We added a significant amount to our total mileage and thus added to our understanding of the car. The focus was on conducting aero tests, but also highlighted that we need to improve the mechanical side, how the car behaves on the bumps on this track. All in all it was a good step forward for the car and for the team operationally. Overall it was a success, and I am having fun."
Dr Colin Kolles, Team Principal: "Today was a great job from the team. Everything went to plan this morning and was smoother than it had been when we were 'born' in Bahrain. It showed that we are fully operational. Everything ran as smoothly as possible. Most of the components of the car, chassis and suspension have now been tested effectively over a full race distance. Everyone has produced an amazing effort to make it happen."