F1
A Top 3 in testing and a promising pace: Haas well on its way to 6th place in the Constructors' category
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The weekend could hardly have started better for Haas in Abu Dhabi. During the first two test sessions held on Friday, the two VF-24s ranked in the Top 8, with even a 3rd place for Nico Hulkenberg during Free Practice 2. Comfortable on the Emirati track, both in terms of race pace and the flying lap exercise, the American team ideally prepared for the rest of the weekend on this final round which will determine who ofAlpine, Haas or Racing Bulls will finish in 6th place in the Constructors' Championship. On Friday night, the advantage was on the Haas side.
“It was a very solid Friday, said Nico Hulkenberg, 3rd in Free Practice 2, less than half a second behind McLaren on your mind. From FP1 this morning the car was set up well, which is obviously a good starting point, a good base. Now we have to try to preserve that, try to improve little things here and there and just optimise everything. Be good on the operational side and execute cleanly. I think in FP2 a lot of drivers were not in their real position, for one reason or another. I think it will always be a challenge to get into the top 10 and into Q3, but I think it is possible if we do a really good job.”
Haas two against one against Alpine ?
While Nico Hülkenberg believes that his 3rd place in FP2 is flattering compared to the true potential of the Top Teams, Haas is getting off to an ideal start to the weekend compared to the Alpine and to the Racing Bulls, much more discreet on Friday during the tests. However, the American team does not want to get carried away and affirms that there are still several details to settle before the qualifications this Saturday. “I think it was a decent Friday and from the start both drivers were in a good position with the car, highlights Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of Haas. We have a few things to review, but as we approach this last race which promises to be very competitive, I think everyone is working well and is calm. It was a good Friday and I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
Before the final round in Abu Dhabi, Haas is in 7th place in the Constructors' Championship, 5 points behind Alpine and 8 points ahead of Racing Bulls. The American team could benefit from the replacement ofEsteban Ocon by Jack Doohan at Alpine to play two against one at Yas Marina, the Australian rookie discovering the A524 again this weekend. A great opportunity for Haas…
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
07/12/2024 at 02:52 a.m.
With the King of Cheaters/Oakes duo having doubts about Ocon's professionalism, all that's left is for Haas to grab 6th place and Doohan to make a mixed debut... and thus prove the management wrongAlpine F1!
vincent moyet
07/12/2024 at 11:49 a.m.
"Two against one against Alpine". Or how the French team shoots itself in the foot by claiming that it must oust Ocon in a fit of paranoia, and thus deprives itself of an experienced driver who could do the job and help the team to rake in the several million dollars at stake. All this because Briatore throws a tantrum.