HRT team up for sale

 Spanish-based Formula One backmarkers HRT are up for sale and talks are ongoing with a number of groups interested in buying the team, owners Thesan Capital said in a statement on Monday.

The team, that is yet to score a point in three years, have Indian Narain Karthikeyan and Spanish veteran Pedro De la Rosa as their two current drivers in a season that ends later this month.

HRT said on their website (www.hrtf1team.com) that the owners hoped to conclude a sale in the next few weeks.

"We believe the moment to let new investors come through for HRT Formula One Team has arrived," it quoted team management as saying.

"The time has come for the team to continue growing with new financial backing. We're convinced that the sporting potential of the team is huge and that the presence of new investors can give it a big boost."

Thesan Capital took over HRT in July last year, with former grand prix driver Luis Perez-Sala becoming the team principal and the headquarters moving to Madrid.

HRT have developed links with China this year with Shanghai-born Ma Qing Hua driving their car in some Friday practice sessions and enlisted in their young driver development programme.