Steiner expects Haas to sustain Melbourne form in Bahrain

©Haas

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Haas boss Guenther Steiner believes the strong pace the US outfit displayed in the opening round of the 2019 season will be carried over to Bahrain next weekend.

Haas secured a sixth-place finish in Melbourne thanks to Kevin Magnussen and only missed out on a double top-ten finish with Romain Grosjean when the Frenchman retired from the race following a pit stop mishap.

Steiner therefore sees Haas fighting once again for a sport among the top mid-field contenders as their fierce battle resumes in the Bahrain desert.

Magnussen fears Red Bull already out of Haas' reach in 2019

"Our car showed that it was fast in Barcelona and in Australia, so I don’t foresee anything different for Bahrain," said the Italian team boss.

"It’s great for Formula 1 to have a battle like this in the midfield. It would be fantastic if this was at the front – if it could be for first, second and third.

"Nearly every race could have a different winner. The podium would be filled by more than just three teams. I think it’s very tight.

"We’re looking forward to the battle because it’s always good to go to the racetrack and have something to fight for."

©Haas

The intense mid-field action has brought a few teams closer to F1's front-runners. But Steiner is under no illusions about the gap that remains with the leading Mercedes-Ferrari-Red Bull trio.

"We’ve moved closer, but we’re still a little bit off," admitted the Haas boss.

"Our plan is to be solid in fourth place and fight for being the best-of-the-rest.

"If something happens to the first three teams, we’re in a good position to maybe get on the podium."

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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.