HRT hopes Singapore upgrades allow it to close on rivals

HRT team boss Colin Kolles is optimistic that his squad could be more of a threat to nearest rivals Virgin and Lotus in Singapore as it introduces upgrades

The team had hoped it might gain on the cars ahead in Italy after promising times in Friday practice, but ended up qualifying on the back row and then enduring a troubled race that saw Daniel Ricciardo join late after mechanical problems at the start and Tonio Liuzzi cause a first-corner pile-up.

Kolles said the target for Singapore was to get both cars to the flag, but that he hoped HRT could display more speed in Marina Bay as well.

"We are bringing some updates on the aero side like a modified engine cover and a new underfloor that we hope will help us to close the gap to our rivals," he said.

"Last year we couldn't make it to the end but this time, with everybody's effort, I am sure we can hope for a two-car finish in Singapore next Sunday."

He added that he expected that Liuzzi - who must take a five-place grid penalty as a punishment for triggering the Monza carnage - would make up for the error in Singapore, and that Ricciardo's lack of circuit knowledge was not a concern.

"After the disappointment of Monza, we are ready to move on and I am sure that both drivers will do their best to put in a good performance," Kolles said.

"We expect Tonio to take the most out of his experience and push the car and the team, while Daniel should keep on improving and take another step forward on a track that he has never raced before."