Haas test in Bahrain could be disrupted by cargo issue

Haas could miss the opening day of pre-season testing in Bahrain following a cargo delay caused by a grounded aircraft.

F1 teams are currently setting up shop at Sakhir ahead of the second leg of testing and next week's opening round in Bahrain of the 2022 F1 World Championship.

Haas was expected to take delivery of its equipment in the Kingdom on Monday, but the plane that was scheduled to handle its cargo between London and Bahrain was unexpectedly grounded in Istanbul by a technical issue.

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Haas team boss Guenther Steiner said the US outfit could be facing a delayed start to its programme in Sakhir if its freight doesn't reach Sakhir on Tuesday, with the first day of running scheduled for Thursday.

However, AMuS suggests that a case of force majeure could see Haas being granted access to the track on Sunday to catch up on its testing schedule if it is delayed.

Read also: Fittipaldi to test with Haas in Bahrain, but race seat still open

The team's latest predicament comes in the wake of a troubled and eventful start to its pre-season preparations.

Haas' program in Spain was hampered by reliability issues hitting its new VF-22, while the outfit is also dealing with the aftermath of the termination of its contract with Russian title sponsor Uralkali and its driver Nikita Mazepin.

Haas reserve Pietro Fittipaldi will test with the team in Bahrain along with Mick Schumacher, but no call has yet been made on the identity of the driver that will race alongside the German this season.

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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.