Kolles: Ecclestone is helping Hispania

Colin Kolles has revealed that Bernie Ecclestone is helping the Hispania Racing Team - but not to ensure it makes it through the 2010 F1 season.

Reports ahead of the Monaco GP suggested that the team was at risk of failing to make it to the end of the year, with Ecclestone quoted as saying Hispania could be in financial trouble [See separate story HERE].

Team owner Jose Ramon Carabante then denied that the team had hit money problems but principal Kolles said that Ecclestone was in fact helping the team with its technical plans for 2011.

Following the breakdown of its relationship with Dallara, Hispania is now working towards building its own car for next season.

"Obviously we are still not competitive enough, even for our expectations as a new team, and we are seeking solutions for the future," Kolles was quoted by the Spanish 'paper AS. "We are optimistic and Bernie is helping us to ensure a better 2011.

"The team will complete the season and we are already planning for the next one. We hope to make an announcement next month - certainly before the Canadian GP - about our plans to build our own chassis."