Sunday: HRT improves performance but Liuzzi is absent
Hispania Racing made a nice progression today from a performance standpoint. However, the team is experiencing reliability issues. After changing Liuzzi's gearbox and taking a 5-place penalty, the Italian made a strong comeback but was stopped in his tracks due to an electronic problem this time. Only Ricciardo finished the 2011 German Grand Prix. As a rookie, he held on to 19th place and was ahead of Karun Chandhok in the Team Lotus Renault. Performances were therefore mixed.
Vitantonio Liuzzi – Retirement:
I am disappointed because even though due to a penalty for a new gearbox we started in 23rd place, we were able to get a good start and gain several positions. Our pace was good, then we started to suffer with the balance. We changed the tires and after that, everything went better. Our pace was good again. Unfortunately, the electronics didn’t keep up, and we had to retire.
Nevertheless, there has been an improvement since Silverstone, but we need to keep working and not relax for the next race. Fortunately, the Hungarian GP is very close and I no longer have to think about this race, but about the next one. It will be difficult because the track doesn’t suit our car, but we will do our best, as usual.
Daniel Ricciardo – 19th:
« It’s good news to have been able to finish the race today; We’ve taken a good step forward since Silverstone but there’s still a long way to go. I’m still in the learning phase and I think I’ve made good progress this weekend. I will continue like this for a few more races and I’m sure that soon, I could finish even better ranked. »
If I can take the same step forward in Hungary as the one I made since Silverstone, I will be very happy. It promises!
Colin Kolles – Director:
Obviously, I would have preferred to see both our cars at the finish. Liuzzi did a good job, and despite brake problems initially and then car balance issues, he was able to hold off Kovalainen. Unfortunately, he then had to retire just before completing two-thirds of the race. It’s very frustrating because we had taken all precautions this weekend, and the pit stops had gone perfectly.
To end on a positive note, Daniel Ricciardo finished his race for the second consecutive time. He is making good progress.
