Dani Clos to get fifth practice outing at Spa

HRT’s reserve driver, Dani Clos, will get his fifth practice outing with the Spanish outfit when the Formula 1 fraternity reconvenes at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit next weekend, with the Spaniard once again replacing Narain Karthikeyan during the opening practice session.

Dani Clos has fond memories of racing around Spa, as the Spaniard took his first international single-seater victory of his career at the circuit. Clos last raced around Spa last season in the GP2 Series, finishing 6th on both occasions throughout the weekend. This will be the Spaniard’s fourth outing in succession for HRT, after Clos carried out the same practice duties at the German and Hungarian Grands Prix. He is understandably eager to return to the cockpit of the F112, and continue his role within the team alongside team-mates Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan.

"Once again I have a chance to step into the car and work for the team and that fills me with satisfaction.” Explained Dani Clos, “Especially after having run in the events leading up to the summer break, for me it is really important to stay active and be able to continue growing alongside my teammates Pedro and Narain. Spa is a circuit where I have great memories. I won my first international one-seater race there, that’s something you never forget and it makes me have special feelings for this circuit.”

HRT are eager to continue their momentum once the season continues next weekend, with the Spanish outfit deciding to run a medium downforce setup similar to that used at Montreal throughout the weekend. Although Spa plays host to many high speed corners, such as Eau Rouge and the fast-flowing Blanchimont section, both drivers are confident ahead of the weekend.

“We’re going to use the same medium downforce that worked so well in Canada so we hope to perform well despite the large amount of high speed corners.” Said Pedro de la Rosa, “We’ve all returned full of energy from the holidays and I personally arrive in my best physical condition of the season and really looking forward to taking on the second half of the championship”.

HRT have still yet to score their first World Championship points, as they enter the latter stages of their third Formula 1 season. The team have undoubtedly shown potential in the face of adversity this season, and will remain positive that those elusive points can be scored this season.

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