The new HRT car is set to make its debut in the third and final test of the preseason after the Spanish squad's plans were delayed because it didn't pass all the mandatory crash tests this week.
HRT was aiming to get its new car on track for the first time at Barcelona on Feb. 21 if it passed all the FIA crash tests, which are mandatory this year in order to be able to test. Out of the 17 mandatory tests, the new car reportedly passed 14, failed two and was unable to do one.
The new chassis passed all the tests, in what team insiders said was a boost for the squad. HRT has failed the roll-hoop and a lateral nose test by "very small margins," according to a team source.
A front impact test could not be carried out because of the failure to pass the lateral one.
A team source said having not passed those tests was not a worry, especially because the main concern was the chassis test which was passed successfully. HRT's plans, however, have been altered as a result because it needs to manufacture new parts to pass the tests again in about a week's time. That means the team will not be able to have the new car ready in time for the second Barcelona test, but it is still confident of making it to the third test on March 1.
HRT tested with last year's car at Jerez this week.