Kolles: Hispania not in dire straights
While it has been widely reported that Hispania are financially in trouble, the rumors gathered momentum in Monza when Bruno Senna and Sakon Yamamoto missed the bulk of Friday's running.
And although the team's Friday press release claimed it was because of 'fuel system' problems, whispers in the paddock suggested it was anything from unpaid engine bills to Kolles himself stopping their running due to his own salary not being paid.
Questioned by Autosport about the rumors and Hispania's financial situation, Kolles insisted: "The engine bill is paid. It is paid in full for the whole year, the same as with the rest. I think actually we are in a better financial situation than many others.
"That we need more money is very clear, that is nothing to deny, but there are others who have many more debts and many more creditors than we have.
"We have to pay everything up front, so the moment we are not running that means we have not paid. So, as long as we are running, we have paid.
"This situation [of paying upfront] has to change, because this has nothing to do with normal business. Every company has certain payment terms – but this is a matter of trust and confidence."
The team boss added that he believes Hispania have the finances needed to see out the rest of the season.
"I think so, yes," was his response when asked if the team was secure to finish the season.
"There are some crucial bills and most of the crucial bills and contracts have been respected. The engine is paid in full. We still have five races to go, so I think this shows already the situation we are in." Planet F1