Hispania forced to delay first run with new car

Hispania Racing has had to postpone the first test with its new car today at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya as some parts have yet to clear customs.

Although the Spanish squad still took the chance to officially present the car to the world's media with team principal, Colin Kolles lauding it a 'significant step forward' [see separate story - click here], technical director Geoff Willis has warned that the new F111 is only a 'baseline' and that they must remain 'realistic'. Indeed had the original season opener in Bahrain not been cancelled, practice would have taken place today, and as yet Narain Karthikeyan and Vitantonio Liuzzi have yet to even turn a wheel in it.

"Starting the programme to develop the F111 has been an enormous challenge," Willis admitted. "The group of engineers working from many separate locations had to produce the 2011 HRT chassis to meet the new regulations, package the Williams LG14 transmission, design all new rear suspension to suit and develop a complete aero package.

"Given the tight time frame though, I am very impressed with the result and the enormous efforts everyone has put in to achieve the objective. However we have to be realistic in our expectations of performance; this is very much a baseline car which the team must develop in 2011."

Pre-season testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya is due to conclude tomorrow [Saturday].