HRT Could Overtake Red Bull in 2011

Pirelli's highly degradable tires for the 2011 season of Formula 1 will lead to some interesting and, at the same time, confusing moments in the upcoming campaign. What would qualify for such a moment? Well how about seeing the slowest car on the grid overtake the fastest racer of 2011 at one point during the race!?

According to Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi, a car as slow as Hispania's HRT F111 could overtake Red Bull's highly acclaimed RB7 in case the former is running on a fresh set of tires and the latter's compounds are too old. Considering that the difference in lap times between fresh and worn tires is up to 7 seconds, such a prospect would not be so far-fetched.

“Maybe we will see a Red Bull being overtaken by a Hispania,” said Kobayashi in a recent interview with Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. “If they're on older hard tires and Hispania have a brand new set of super-softs, it could happen. For the spectators it would certainly be a little confusing.”

Pirelli designed the 2011-spec compound tires with a single thought in mind, which is to ensure that drivers will perform at least 3 pit stops per race throughout the new season. Consequently, the level of tire wear is incredible high from one lap to another, not to mention the difference in lap times from different tire compounds (hard vs super-soft, for example).

Additionally, Kobayashi also referred to the new deal Suzuka has signed with F1 for the 2012 season. While admitting it was a good news for all motor racing fans in Japan, the Sauber racer said Japan's F1 golden era is over.

“Motor sport is still a European sport,” added the 24-year old. “In Japan, sumo and baseball are the most popular, even though when there was Senna and Prost, it was fashionable to go to the F1 races. But sadly those times are over.”