The HRT Formula 1 team has denied rumours that it will use its old chassis for the first few races, instead confirming it hoped to attend the second test with its 2012 car.
A spokeswomen told the BBC that delays had come about as a result of the teams takeover and restructuring, but things were running much smoother now that everything is in place for the new season.
“There’s been, and still is, a lot to work on but, even if we may struggle in the beginning, the structure that is being built now is a lot more solid, reliable and committed.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to prove all that soon and change the team’s perception, which is no longer real. It won’t be a bed of roses but we’ll manage to do it,” she said.
The spokeswomen for the Spanish team also denied the rumours that their chassis is unlikely to be complete for the first race in Australia, but did confirm news that it was yet to complete all its FIA crash tests, which must be passed for its track debut.
“Rumours that we will take part in the initial grands prix with the 2011 car are not true,” she continued. “The target is to be at the second [pre-season] test with the new car.”
Marussia (formerly Virgin) also plan to debut their 2012 car at the second test along with Mercedes. Whilst the remaining nine teams plan to have confirmed their attendance at Jerez (February 7th-10th).
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