Haas prepping for huge mid-field battle

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Gene Haas is expecting intense rivalry and close battles in the Formula 1 mid-field this season.

Racing at the level of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will be a tall order for any other team this year, but right behind, the field will likely produce massive competition between Williams, Toro Rosso, Force India, Haas and McLaren if the Woking-based outfit can get its act together.

"I see the situation this way," Haas explained.

"The three top teams are Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull, within one second. From fifth and 15th place it can be as little as a few tenths, so it could be a very intense year."

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On the subject of the Haas F1 Team's new recruit, Kevin Magnussen, who replaces Mexican Esteban Gutierrez alongside Romain Grosjean, Haas believes his outfit made the right choice.

"Kevin is a unique personality," Haas said in Barcelona, according to Sportbox.

"He is both aggressive and calm and I think an excellent complement to Grosjean. I think he will work well with Grosjean and bring us more points than we had last year."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.