Haas scraps post-Hungarian GP in-season test

40

The Haas F1 Team will not take part in Formula 1's second in-season test scheduled right after next week's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The two-day test will take place at the Hungaroring on July 31 and August 1 and will feature all teams, with the exception of Haas, and several F1 development drivers.

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner invoked F1's recent concentrated calendar of events which included five races over six weeks as the reason for which the US outfit will begin its summer break earlier than its rivals.

"Instead of participating in the test in Hungary, Haas is using the time to analyse the data it received from its recent Pirelli tyre test at Silverstone, from past Grands Prix and from our simulator work," said Steiner.

"Between the data our drivers have been able to gather that is directly applicable to their driving styles in our cars, and this current run of five races in six weeks, we determined our time was best spent at the factory."

It's game over for F2 racer Ferrucci and Trident!

If Haas had decided to stay on at the Hungaroring it would have run F2 racer and Haas development driver Santino Ferrucci.

The young American was banned recently by the FIA for two races for his antics at Silverstone two weeks ago and subsequently fired from his F2 team Trident.

Haas has yet to decide whether Ferrucci will remain with the US squad.

"Haas F1 Team remains committed to gathering all of the facts and having in-person conversations with all the individuals involved in the situation," Steiner said in a statement to Sky Sports F1.

"We are being diligent, but our priority is the last two races before the summer shutdown."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.