Haas was forward of schedule throughout pre-season testing and has a automotive that may very well be extra aggressive in races than first anticipated, in accordance with group principal Ayao Komatsu.
Haas end backside of the constructors’ championship standings after a troublesome 2023, typically displaying robust tempo in qualifying however struggling in races. After taking up from Guenther Steiner within the low season, earlier than seeing the automotive run Komatsu had warned that the begin to this 12 months may very well be robust, however now could be extra constructive about how the begin to observe operating has gone.
“Excellent, actually good,” Komatsu informed RACER. “It’s not excellent, however I’d say fairly respectable. Everyone’s targeted on what we wanted to attain coming away from these three days of testing, so based mostly on that we formulated our program, executed it, and the final couple of days have gone very, very nicely. We achieved our goals, a lot in order that we adjusted yesterday’s program really.
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“So we’re forward of the place we completely wanted to be for the check program. Kevin (Magnussen) accomplished a primary qualifying simulation and race simulation within the morning, Nico (Hulkenberg) took over and accomplished a race simulation too, so progress has been nice.”
With that evaluation, Komatsu admits he has been pleasantly shocked with the efficiency Haas has been in a position to get out of its 2024 automotive, pointing to driver confidence as one of many primary elements.
“Solely subsequent week will inform, so I don’t actually wish to say an excessive amount of with out being absolutely assured, however what I’m seeing is encouraging. The truth that I’m telling you that we’re forward when it comes to the check program tells you it’s barely higher than what I anticipated, in case you like.
“I believe that’s as a result of the basic base of the automotive, and consistency, regardless that you’ll be able to see on the GPS hint we’re nonetheless missing numerous downforce – within the high-speed corners we’re gradual – however when it comes to traits, consistency, predictability, there may be an enchancment.
“In order that’s one thing that each Nico and Kevin can get probably the most out of extra constantly, which they couldn’t do final 12 months. In order that’s been an honest enchancment.”
Magnussen himself shared Komatsu’s sentiments, saying he’s feeling progress from the automotive in race trim.
“We’ve been doing a number of high-fuel race operating, making an attempt to deal with that problem, and I believe we’re going someplace,” Magnussen mentioned. “We haven’t fastened the problem fully however hopefully it’s sufficient to make a distinction on Sunday. I count on it to be very shut between all groups once more this 12 months.”
