HRT 2012

[element]

Sky Germany confirmed that the team in Spain is completely shut down. The only team members in employ are the mechanics and the race engineers. It appears that they will do only limited running with pay drivers for lack of reliable parts. They have run out of suspension, gear boxes, brakes, steering and other safety relevant components.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/104244

De la Rosa dismissed reports from the Spanish media that HRT had no spare parts for the upcoming grand prix, saying he was sure the car was perfectly safe.

"It is something I am not aware of and the first news comes from you," he said. "All I can say is that we might be modest, we are small and we are what we are, but we are a professional F1 team and for sure if we go and start running it's because the car is safe.

[CHT]

Sky Germany confirmed that the team in Spain is completely shut down. The only team members in employ are the mechanics and the race engineers. It appears that they will do only limited running with pay drivers for lack of reliable parts. They have run out of suspension, gear boxes, brakes, steering and other safety relevant components.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/104244

De la Rosa dismissed reports from the Spanish media that HRT had no spare parts for the upcoming grand prix, saying he was sure the car was perfectly safe.

"It is something I am not aware of and the first news comes from you," he said. "All I can say is that we might be modest, we are small and we are what we are, but we are a professional F1 team and for sure if we go and start running it's because the car is safe.

You can still have a safe car even without spares part as long as nothing break down. If anyone suffer a dnf this weekend then perhaps they might not have two cars to run in brazil.

[RB7ate9]

HRT could make it interesting and have Pedro and Narain race each other for one sole grid position for Brazil. It'd almost be more exciting than the race with the front-runners!

[mx_tifoso]

The guys from SpeedTV mentioned that so far they aren't within 107% so they might not even qualify for the race, which would actually be beneficial since they would then have more parts for the last race in Brazil.

[CHT]

The guys from SpeedTV mentioned that so far they aren't within 107% so they might not even qualify for the race, which would actually be beneficial since they would then have more parts for the last race in Brazil.

I think that could simply be their strategy to maximize the TV exposure for their sponsors since they will remain the topic of discussion at brazil again. Wonder if Mclaren will get Pedro back as test driver for next year.

[Petroltorque]

That only applies if you don't believe in any such thing as bad publicity.

[Chazmando]

Red Bull should buy them out, put Buemi & Alguersuari in, and find a new language to put "Red Bull" into

German "Rot Stier" ?

[Lurk]

What about spanish or catalan? Toro Rojo / Toro Vermell.

[element]

Last rumors is that a Qatari option dropped soon, and most interested buyers are now a Chinese group. Another interesting rumor that could end up keeping a spanish team is that Ecclestone is trying to get Alejandro Agag (Addax GP2 owner) to buy the team, but he has already refused to pay the 40m Thesan wants. It seems Agag is more interested in developing a formula e team, but Agag, apart from being Bernie's friend, could have Santander's financial backing if he enters f1. I think Agag is being cautious about a f1 investment, and will only pull the trigger if has a firm Santander financial backing and acquiring the team does not cost him and arm and a leg (which is the current situation).

[Petroltorque]

I think one has to accept that the Spanish team concept is a non starter. I'm not suprised that Agag is not keen. He's forced to buy in expertise from contractors based thousands of kilometres away. I understand the Abu Dhabi group pulled out because they baulked at the cost of financing the team in Spain.

[NathanOlder]

It sounds very much like its over now for HRT, what they should do now, is start the Brazilain race with 10-15 laps of fuel. Then maybe they can get in amoungst the top 10 for a few laps ? Would look pretty good ? and who knows, someone could notice them.

[Petroltorque]

I think you're right. We'll get official confirmation when the FIA release the official entry list for 2013 in December. HRT never really had enough money to produce a competitive car. The dissolution of contracts with first Dallara and then Toyota were serious blows as it forced them to source a project " in house".
The final nail in the coffin was turning up in Melbourne this year with an incomplete cut and shut car. At that stage any potential sponsor/ investor saw that HRT was the same horse but with a different jockey! Shame as as a spectacle F1 benefits from full grids.

[FW17]

Wish some big time Indy or NASCAR team will get lured into buying it.

[raymondu999]

From what I've heard there's a group of Chinese investors interested, and Alex Wurz is forming a team of his too.

[ScottB]

But given that the only real asset that HRT has is the licence to compete in F1, and surely if they fold the FIA would be willing to entertain bids for that licence afterwards for less than the £40million, why bid for them?

Secondly, could someone put a team together and design a car in time? Turning up in an even modified version of this years car next season would probably do a new team more harm than good...