Haas on target for February test debut

Formula One racing’s newest team, the American-led Haas squad, are on schedule to appear at next month’s opening 2016 test after their car passed its final mandatory FIA crash test.

“Good job guys!” was driver Romain Grosjean’s response as the team confirmed the news, which means they are now clear to take part in the first of two pre-season tests at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The car, the name of which has yet to be announced, features a Dallara-built chassis and power from Ferrari, with whom Haas have a multi-year technical agreement, also covering supply of transmission and other components, as well as support.

Driving it on its race debut at March’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne will be Grosjean and team mate Esteban Gutierrez, the former Sauber racer returning to the grid after a year away as a Ferrari tester.

Before then, both men are expected to sample their new machine in testing on February 22-25 and March 01-04.