The Haas F1 team was up and running at Barcelona on Monday morning, with the US outfit conducted the first shakedown of its all-new Ferrari-powered VF-22.
Haas was the first F1 team to unveil its 2022 livery earlier this month, relying on renders to showcase its car's new scheme.
But the team rolled out its real car at the Circuit de Catalunya on Monday, just two days before the start of pre-season testing at the Spanish track.
Compared to the images previously released to the media, the Haas VF-22's front wing and nose appear more elaborated while the more shapely design of the car's endplates are another notable difference, not only with the car depicted in the renderings but also compared to other 2022-spec cars.
Differences in the sidepod area are also clear, with a convex shaped upper surface somewhat similar to Ferrari's F1-75.
©Haas
Haas' new contender that will be raced once again by Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin will be limited to 100 km, in accordance with filming day rules that also require that cars run on control tyres supplied by Pirelli.
Nevertheless, the systems check session is always a useful exercise for teams as it provides an opportunity to detect any issues or gremlins ahead of the start of pre-season testing.
And we are GO!
The #VF22 takes to the track for the very first time in Barcelona 💪#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/SewwEaAjEW
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 21, 2022
Following F1's introduction of a new set of regulations, Haas will be looking to significantly improve its performance and also its position in the pecking order.
The US outfit failed to score a single championship point last season. But team boss Guenther Steiner is confident in his outfit's prospects for 2022.
"We all know what the team is capable of, we've proved that in the past, and with this new car – born out of a completely new set of regulations and with our new design team in place, I'm confident we can showcase once again that we can compete on weekends," said the Italian.
"It's been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and now comes the fun part of getting the new car to the circuit and dialling in all the elements. Last season was a long one but I'm confident that 2022 will see us back in the mix with the VF-22."
All ten teams will take to the track in Barcelona on Wednesday for three full days of testing.
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