Haas boss Guenther Steiner remains undeterred by the US outfit's troubled week at Circuit de Catalunya.

While pundits were pleasantly surprised by Haas' initial performance last week, the realities of fielding a brand new Formula 1 team have taken over during the squad's second week in Barcelona.

The last couple of days have reminded Haas of the true meaning of the word 'testing'. But Guenther Steiner believes it's all part of the work process, building up the team and its quest for performance.

"This week was not as expected because we didn’t run for two days," Steiner said.

"That was our biggest set-back, because this could affect us and we would have understood the car much better.

"Today was a learning day. So long as you have a chance to learn it’s positive – it’s tough, but positive. You hurt yourself but you learn.

"That is what we are here for. The worst thing is when you are not running."

The team has vowed to keep its head down for today's final day of testing, with its focus on achieving its target of reliability with performance.

Should problems persist today, Haas baptism of fire in Melbourne may well take the form of a full-scale test.

"You try to be as fast as possible and when you go as fast as possible, it is very difficult to put a clear line in between.

"When you are at the race track you want to go fast, you learn by going fast. We tried to go fast and we try to learn the limits of the car. What we need to change, is to go fast without having problems."

Follow live coverage and timing from pre-season testing here

GALLERY: Pre-season testing

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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.

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