Williams to provide gearboxes for HRT in 2011
Williams will produce gearboxes for Hispania Racing team (HRT) in the 2011 Formula 1 season as the team announced its developments, followed by another announcement by the Grove-based outfit.
HRT is one of the three new teams that were introduced on the Formula 1 grid this season along with Lotus and Virgin racing. None of these teams have been able to score a single point this season but according to Jean Todt, this season has been quite tough
for the new teams and since it was their first season, the three new teams have been performing relatively well.
The HRT cars are currently running on gearboxes provided by Xtrac but since HRT and Williams both use Cosworth engines. Williams stated that this new deal will extend the life of their power units vitally.
“This is a logical partnership given Williams and Hispania's mutual relationship with Cosworth. Our gearbox technology has consistently proven itself as both competitive and reliable, and hence this agreement will be a positive development for both organisations,”
said Williams CEO Alex Burns.
The decision of using Williams technology was backed by HRT team boss Colin Kolles as he believes that this should boost the performance levels of the HRT cars next season and this technology will enable the team to produce better results.
“This technical partnership is a significant step forward for Hispania Racing HRT F1 Team to improve its performance. We are very happy to do this with an engineering company and race team like Williams F1 which has an impressive track record and astonishing
heritage,” said Colin.
There were many rumours a couple of months ago that two of the new teams will be replaced by new teams or they might be removed from the grid. The team supported by most of the stewards and professionals was Lotus as it is a legendary team with vast history.
However, after a series of discussions, the FIA came to the conclusion that all three of the new teams should be given another chance and it has been confirmed that HRT and Virgin will be on the 2011 grid.
HRT has a great chance of proving themselves and with these new developments, the team is now optimistic and hopes for the best possible result next season.
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