Narain Karthikeyan is expecting HRT's second driver to bring some sort of budget to the team, but is confident the Spanish-owned outfit has a solid financial package for the upcoming season.
HRT is currently searching for Karthikeyan's team-mate, with Tonio Liuzzi in talks but unable to pay for a drive. When asked if his opposite number will have to bring a budget to the team, Karthikeyan told ESPNF1: "Sure, he will bring some funding. Half the field brings some funding to their teams. So there's nothing unusual about it."
But the Indian driver is confident HRT has a solid plan in place for 2011.
"The team has some new ideas in the marketing side of things and I feel that they will move forward in this department as well. There will be enough money during the season. However, in F1 more money is always welcome."
He is also confident HRT has made progress with its 2011 car, which is expected to run for the first time in Barcelona.
"I have spoken with the engineers and seen some designs and downforce numbers from HRT, and the F111 will be a step in the positive direction," he said. "It would be nice to have the new car ready as soon as possible, and I'm sure that all involved are working absolutely 24/7 to make that happen. However, new car development is a very carefully controlled process, and I'm sure the design and production team have it under control."
When asked what plans he has beyond his return season in 2011, Karthikeyan said: "Staying with HRT has to be the plan for the long-term."
Read Narain Karthikeyan's interview in full
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