HRT to skip first Barcelona F1 test to focus on new car

The HRT team will skip the first Barcelona test in order to focus on being ready with its new car for the second and final test there.

The Spanish squad tested for two days at Jerez last week, using its 2011 car as the new challenger is yet to pass all the mandatory crash tests.

HRT had hoped to attend the first Barcelona test with the new car, but the failure to pass two crash tests meant a change of plans.

The team has decided it will not be testing at Barcelona next week with the old car either in order to concentrate on getting the new single-seater ready for the March 1 outing.
The Barcelona test kicks off on Tuesday.