The Cosworth-powered F110s, last on the grid and a full second shy of the next-quickest Virgin cars, tackled the Italian grand prix with its conventional bodywork package -- used throughout the season so far, including at Monaco.

According to GPWeek, Hispania is therefore the first team "in decades" not to design a bespoke low-downforce package for the ultra high speed straights of the Autodromo Nazionale.

Bruno Senna said that, because of a lack of testing, making a last-minute modification for Monza would have compromised safety.

"So it was a bit of a rush and unfortunately it didn't get done," said the Brazilian driver.

And HRT's financial situation took another hit at Monza, when the FIA imposed a $20,000 fine for the pitstop incident involving Sakon Yamamoto's radio mechanic.