HRT’s F112 has finally passed all necessary crash tests, but its debut at the third and final pre-season test in Barcelona next week remains in doubt.
The Spanish outfit failed three of the 17 mandatory FIA crash tests which must be passed prior to its on-track debut, unlike in previous years when teams could test their cars without having crash tested them.
Despite having passed the final roll-hoop test on Friday, the team has admitted it is unlikely to make the first day of the final test on Thursday, but hoped to debut its car on the Saturday and Sunday – giving it just two days track time before the first race in Melbourne.
HRT does however have the option to hold a private test day later in March if approval is given by all 11 remaining teams – which is likely given Mercedes, Lotus, Ferrari and Red Bull have all opted to hold private test days by skipping one or more of the pre-planned days.
