Singapore preview quotes - HRT on Marina Bay

From one of Formula One's racing's oldest venues, the paddock moves to one of its newest, as the teams and drivers depart Europe for the heady nightlife of Singapore. With its spectacular backdrop and challenging layout, the Marina Bay Street Circuit has quickly established itself as one of the most popular venues on the calendar. Those involved in the 2012 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix discuss their prospects…

Pedro de la Rosa, HRT
2011 Qualifying - n/a, 2011 Race - n/a
"I've never raced at Singapore but I know the circuit because of my simulator work as a test driver for McLaren. It's a spectacular track and probably the toughest circuit on the brakes in the entire championship besides being a very physically demanding race because of the heat and humidity. We should have a good performance as there are many slow corners and it is quite similar to Monaco. Besides, we've got an aero upgrade which should help us to cut down the gap to our rivals. I have to make the most of the practice session to adapt to the circuit but I'm up for the challenge."

Narain Karthikeyan, HRT
2011 Qualifying - n/a, 2011 Race - n/a
"Singapore has a spectacular atmosphere as the race takes place under artificial lighting. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is bumpy and very complicated. You can't make any mistakes as it is a street circuit. Besides, it's also very demanding physically because of the high temperatures and humidity. I arrive here extremely motivated and in good form after a good weekend in Italy and we've also brought upgrades which we hope will help us improve our race pace a little bit more."

Ma Qing Hua, HRT test driver
"I'm very happy to drive the F112 for a second time in a row and I really appreciate the opportunity HRT is giving me. It will be very exciting to drive a F1 around the streets of Singapore. It's a very demanding track for all of us, but it will be even more of a challenge for me as this is only the second time I will be driving the car at a race weekend. But I am looking forward to it and the laps that I added to my tally at the last Grand Prix in Monza have given me plenty of confidence. I have prepared myself in the simulator as well as doing some specific exercises to be used to driving at night. This is yet again another step in my career and I look forward to getting more experience at the wheel of a Formula One car as well as doing my best to help the team to prepare for the race."

Luis Perez-Sala, HRT team principal
"I don't personally know the Marina Bay Street Circuit but I'm really looking forward to getting to know it since everyone says it's one of the most beautiful races in the championship. But also because in Singapore we're incorporating the second major upgrade to the car of the season which we hope will help us take another step forward. Ma will step into the car once more for the first free practice session and the objective is for him to continue learning and improving as he did in Monza, where we were very happy with his work and performance. Pedro and Narain come on the back of a good race in Italy and we hope that with the upgrades they can get even closer to our rivals."