25/01/2011
NEWS STORY
Hispania, whose maiden F1 car didn't make its track debut until the opening practice session of the first Grand Prix of the 2010 season, will not have its 2011 contender ready until the fourth and final test of this year.
The news was revealed by Narain Karthikeyan, who was recently signed to the team five years after he last raced an F1 car.
"We have four tests before the race in Bahrain, the first being in Valencia, followed by Jerez and Barcelona and then a four-day test in Bahrain a week before the season opener," Karthikeyan told the Times of India. "Our new car won't be ready for the first three tests in Spain where I will drive the 2010 car.
"The biggest change will be the gearbox and hydraulics package from Williams," he added, referring to the new car. "The car will have the Cosworth engine, coupled with the systems from Williams. Basically, the whole geometry around the engine will be the same as the Williams cars."
Asked if he knew who his teammate will be, the Indian replied: "The second and reserve drivers will be finalised in a week or so."