Official: Haas signs Grosjean as driver for 2016
- Published on 29 Sep 2015 17:08
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- By: Rob Veenstra
Haas F1 Team has announced Romain Grosjean as the first of its two driver for its debut season in Formula 1. Grosjean has build up a lot of experience at this level of motor sports and the Frenchman will join the new American team after a spell at Lotus.
Grosjean is highly regarded as a team leader and potential world champion. The Frenchman will get his first drive with Haas F1 Team during the preseason test March 1-4 at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. A second test at Barcelona takes place March 15-18 before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix April 3 in Melbourne.
"We wanted an experienced driver capable of developing our car and our race team into one that can score points and better itself each race and each season. We found him in Romain Grosjean," said Gene Haas, founder and chairman, Haas F1 Team. "I've been involved in motorsports for a long time and learned early on the most crucial component is the driver. Romain has strong credentials and he will be an important asset to Haas F1 Team."
"What Gene Haas and everyone at Haas F1 Team is building is impressive, and I’m very proud to be a part of it," Grosjean said. "Formula One is incredibly competitive and the only way to succeed is by finding new ways of doing things. This is a new opportunity with a new team that is taking a very different approach to Formula One. I believe in their approach and they believe in me. While I am committed to giving my absolute best to my current team in these last five races, I am very excited for what the future holds at Haas F1 Team."
"In addition to being an experienced Formula One driver, Romain is very technically minded," said Guenther Steiner, team principal, Haas F1 Team. "He gives strong, specific feedback as to how the car performs. As we develop our car in testing and throughout the season, his insight will be crucial."
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
They'll definitely not lose on having him on board, he is definitely a talented driver, and given the right car he can be a force to rely on.
talktohenry
Posts: 362
Unless this a back door to a Ferrari seat - then I think he's made a mistake, I'd rather be in a works Renault, then a Ferrari B team. This is a step backwards, unless Haas make the Prancing Horse magic wand into real pace....
khasmir
Posts: 893
Probably a good choice for several reasons:
- the deal with Renault is taking way too long
- it seems Prost would like to bring Vergne to the team
- Grosjean will no longer be the one having to give up his car for FP1 every race
- Haas is not a Ferrari B team, they will even have an A spec 2016 PU
- Renault will more than likely use a PU from... Renault...
- ...
Of course we have no idea how Haas is going to perform but at least they will have a decent PU, where as Renault... 2016 will be a transition year for Renault while Haas have been working on the team and car since 2014.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I agree on all points. Although Renault do have about 12 tokens to spend, quite a substantial amount, and could introduce plenty of updates. But then again, Renault doesnt seem to have a clear plan on what they want to do with their PU, if they even know what's wrong with it and how to solve it. At least not from what can be read. I'll leave that alone as of now though, as they could very well have a clear plan in their Caverne de Bat. ;)