sport

HRT skip Mugello test

HRT have decided not to attend next week's Formula One test in Mugello in order to focus their resources elsewhere.

F1's first in-season test since 2008 offers a rare opportunity for teams to prepare for the forthcoming European races, starting with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 13.

The team, however, claim they are now completely focused on their relocation to new headquarters in Madrid, which is taking up time and money.

Team principal Luis Perez-Sala said: "The start to the season was a little rushed for us.

"Since the cars were set up for the first time, we have been working on them at the grands prix.

"The team and cars have just got back from Bahrain after leaving for Australia in early March, and they return for the first time to the team's new headquarters in Madrid.

"This move is very important for us and by not going to Mugello we can work thoroughly on the car to prepare for the Spanish Grand Prix.

"We won't have the new upgrade package until then, so we prefer to focus on what can contribute more to us, which is team work at the headquarters, and there is a lot to do."

Update:

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