Romain Grosjean would not let the disruptive weather conditions in Melbourne spoil the “important day” that Haas F1 Team experienced in taking part in its maiden Friday free practice.
The US newcomers made their grand prix weekend debut in Australia nearly two after the FIA granted Gene Haas an official licence to enter Formula One.
Grosjean wishes the team could have secured more mileage in representative conditions but the Frenchman appreciates the achievement of taking part in FP1 and FP2 is of greater significance.
“We were hoping to get a few laps in the dry and then it was very heavy showers, dry again, heavy showers, so it was a bit tricky for everyone,” Grosjean said.
“For all of us nonetheless it was an important day, especially for Gene and [team principal] Guenther [Steiner], they have been working on the project for six years or more, seeing the car going on track and being on the official F1 standings was a very good day for all the mechanics who have worked on the Haas project and on the team.”
Grosjean is aware that Friday’s limited running leaves Haas with much work to be done in a short period of time. Having repeatedly praised his team’s cohesion, the ex-Lotus ace is confident the F1 rookies have what it takes to match the hectic pace of any given F1 weekend.
“It’s not ideal for the set-up of the weekend and to prepare the weekend. There are a lot of boxes we still need to tick before we are fully ready, we found a small few small things we could improve and do so for [Saturday].
“My dad is here and he told me it’s quite impressive how everyone is calm in the garage and know what they are doing. Of course they see things we can improve and a quick turnaround, which won’t be perfect, but it’s impressive the way everyone is finding its place.”
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Australian Grand Prix - Friday free practice as it happened
2016 F1 season: Team-by-team preview
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