17/03/2012
NEWS STORY
HRT has been refused permission to take part in the Australian Grand Prix after both cars failed to make the 107% Q1 cut-off.
The Spanish team, which didn't take part in pre-season testing, its car only taking to the track last week for filming purposes, came to Australia knowing that it would be an uphill struggle.
While he waited for spares to arrive Pedro de la Rosa was unable to contest yesterday morning's session while teammate Narain Karthikeyan suffered an engine problem.
The Indian was able to compete in the afternoon session however, a hydraulics issue sidelined his Spanish teammate.
As widely expected, both drivers failed to make the 107% cut this afternoon, however, the Spanish team appealed to the stewards for permission to race.
The stewards subsequently issued the following statement, confirming their decision that the team will play no further part in this weekend's activities:
"The Stewards received a request from HRT F1 Team to allow car 22 Pedro de la Rosa and car3 Narain Karthikeyan to take part in the race under exceptional circumstances having failed to set a lap time within 107% in Q1.
The Stewards having considered all relevant material decide not to allow both cars to take part in the race in accordance with article 36.1 FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations."