Mercedes' Wolff mighty impressed with Haas' pre-season form

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has tipped the Haas F1 Team to spring a few surprises this season based on the outfit's impressive form in pre-season testing.

The US team was a consistent and fast runner last week at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, its new VF-18 car, dubbed "the white Ferrari" by paddock insiders, outrunning most of its mid-field rivals, although fuel levels were unknown as Wolff noted.

"In our statistical data they looked pretty quick, but then again if someone is 20kg lighter, it’s eight tenths difference," said the Mercedes executive, speaking this week in Turin.

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"I very much hope they are there. They deserve it. Gene [Haas] has taken some risks. He’s a true entrepreneur. Crazy Guenther is giving it all. He’s a good operator. He knows what he’s doing."

Wolff agrees that a massive mid-field battle is likely brewing this year, with any of the contenders capable of clinching the title of "best of the rest".

"There is also Renault which will make a step forward and McLaren," he said.

"Williams has been looking good on the long runs. So I think there are a lot of teams who are just behind the top three that could be a surprise."

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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.