HRT firesale to provide sting in tail for Scorpion?

Reports that American-based concern Scorpion Racing was looking to relaunch the HRT F1 operation have been clouded by claims that a Spanish auto parts recycler has acquired the remaining team assets, including cars.

Spanish newspaper Diario AS reports that veteran parts supplier Teo Martin has struck a deal to purchase two 2012-spec cars, two from 2011, a wind tunnel model, truck, tools, and both machinery and furniture from HRT's short-lived home at the Caja Magica in Madrid. The only things apparently not included in the list of acquisitions are the team's Cosworth engines and Williams gearboxes, all of which have been returned to their original suppliers.

The cost of the purchase has not been revealed, but the fact that it has taken place casts doubt on the viability of Scorpion's plans to enter the F1 world championship in future.

Details of the American-Canadian consortium's bid came to light at the end of last month, with the process having reached the due diligence stage. Scorpion had expressed an interest in filling the vacant twelfth entry for 2013 but, under advisement from Bernie Ecclestone, appeared to switch its focus to 2014. With a new set of regulations coming into force next season, Scorpion may have decided that it had little need for cars and engines that would not be able to race, but claims that Martin has acquired 'all assets of use' appears to hint at a complete u-turn across the Atlantic.

The former HRT headquarters in Madrid has apparently been completely dismantled, leaving no trace of its erstwhile occupant..