Changes at HRT

[markfarrell9572]

HRT have announced Red Bull reserve Daniel Ricciardo will replace Narain Karthekeyan for the remainder of the season, but Karthekeyan will do his home race.  Did Narain's cheque bounce?

[Ron Speak]

Hi all,

I am not sure TATA are reliable at bill paying, which is probably why they never stay attached to a team for too long.  Bit of time at Williams, bit of time at Ferrari, now a short time at HRT...  Good for Ricciardo though, as long as he can beat Liuzzi it will be a great benefit for him next year having half a season of experience.  Seems also that Colin Kolles is on his way out of HRT as well.

[lkjohnson1950]

Unless the Spaniards come up with a wad of cash, Kolles isn't going anywhere. The hardware at HRT is his.

Lonny

[Wats-on]

I've read that Kolles is leaving to Williams. That should be a huge blow for HRT, because I suppose that if Kolles leaves, the team can't use Kolles' fascilities any more. That could be the end of the team...  

[Ron Speak]

The talk of Kolles leaving was to leave the wealthy owners of the team with greater control over what goes on.  That might not be an bad thing as I just do not like Kolles. 

[markfarrell9572]

Kolles owns all the team's equipment though, and HRT rents it back off him.  Kolees leaving would leave the team with very little.

[markfarrell9572]

For some reason I can't explain I'm not a fan of Mr Kolles at all, but it does seem he is leaving HRT and I can't help but think that isn't a good thing for the team.  Paradoxically I can't help but think if he goes to Williams that it will be a bad step for Frank's team

[John S]

This article, link below, on Autosport.com answers most of the questions about Colin stepping aside at HRT. Looks like it will be business as usual until a new team base can be set up away from Kolles premises in Greding, Germany.

I'm sure that Colin is as aware as anyone that HRT continuing to race is the only logical thing, aside from him not wanting to wreck a team he has put a lot of effort into, the penalties for missing races would probably push the finances off a cliff, he would never get any money he's owed then.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/92738

[cosworth151]

I've seen several sources that say the team will continue to use Kolles's Greding facilities until a new base can be set up in Spain.

There's an old saying about re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.......

[lkjohnson1950]

Kolles not only owns the equipment, but most of the top men are under contract to him. This story is very odd. I can't understand how HRT expects to run the team without a solid team leader to replace Kolles, Kolles on the other hand may be trying to recover his money, but his goal is to be a team owner and I don't see how stepping aside helps to accomplish that.

Lonny

[Jericoke]

Kolles not only owns the equipment, but most of the top men are under contract to him. This story is very odd. I can't understand how HRT expects to run the team without a solid team leader to replace Kolles, Kolles on the other hand may be trying to recover his money, but his goal is to be a team owner and I don't see how stepping aside helps to accomplish that.

Lonny

There is a history in F1 of teams being completely shaken up, and then going to to greater success.  Not to suggest HRT is a future Brawn or RBR, but all championship teams start somewhere, and generally have dark periods.

[markfarrell9572]

There is a history in F1 of teams being completely shaken up, and then going to to greater success.  Not to suggest HRT is a future Brawn or RBR, but all championship teams start somewhere, and generally have dark periods.
[/quote]

If I were to compare HRT to any other team in formula 1 history it would be Andrea Moda.  Splitting with Kolles surely leaves them without staff and equipment

[John S]

  Splitting with Kolles surely leaves them without staff and equipment

Not according to the Autosport report, any transition is set to be a managed hand over when other facilities are opened.

[markfarrell9572]

How long before the new facilities come on line though?  I don't see HRT advertising for staff unlike virgin. 

[markfarrell9572]

Reports from spain today say hrt has been sold to japanase investment bank nomura for 24m euro