José Carabante: Fighting back in 2011

Vitantonio Liuzzi of Hispania in action during the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit.

Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on 22nd May, SportsPro caught up with Hispania Racing F1 Team chief executive José Carabante to get his thoughts on the Spanish Formula One team's performance both on and off track and its targets for the rest of the 2011 season.

How would you describe your overall strategy for the Hispania team in Formula One?

We have overcome a difficult first year and I think the evolution of the team is clear for everyone to see, the strategy is clear, the team is consolidated and we are working every day to improve each and every area in order to be as competitive as possible.

 

"With good teamwork and consistency I have found out that any obstacle can be overcome"

 

The team’s first year in the sport was difficult; what did you learn?

It’s never easy starting off in something new, even less so in such a competitive competition as Formula One. But with good teamwork and consistency I have found out that any obstacle can be overcome.

What has your experience of doing business with Bernie Ecclestone been?

My relationship with him is excellent, we’ve had his support from day one and it’s a privilege to be able to consult any subject with him.

What lessons from the world of business have you been able to apply in Formula One?

To have a clear image of what your final target is and surround yourself with the right people are key issues in any business. Formula One is no exception so we’ve followed those principles since the beginning.

Has Formula One taught you anything that you can apply in the business world?

It is of vital importance to study your rivals if you want to progress, make sure you don’t make the same mistakes they’ve made. The level of competitiveness in Formula One means you can’t be caught off guard at any time. This shows you to convert possible threats in the business world into opportunities to grow.

Has Formula One proved tougher than your expected?

We knew from the beginning that entering Formula One was an ambitious risk and a difficult task. Effectively it has been such but we’ve proven that we’re prepared to take it on.
 

What progress has the team made commercially since it launched?

Obviously it hasn’t been the best time financially and as a new team we’ve had to prove that our project is solid but we’re convinced that Formula One is the best platform commercially for a company and we’re sure that we will reach important agreements as the season goes on.

What are the team’s targets this year, both on and off track?

In our second season we’re looking to show people the Hispania Racing project and prove that it’s an ambitious and attractive one. In sporting terms, we’re looking to finish in tenth place in the Constructors Championship and are working hard to achieve this.

An in depth look at the management, sponsorship and finance, technical management, cars, engines and drivers of Hispania HRT features in this year's Formula One Black Book.

To buy the 2011 Black Book and learn more about Formula One and its teams, click here.