Haas preparing for 'home race' with partners Ferrari and Dallara

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Haas F1 Team has endured a difficult summer and even a laborious time since the European season got underway in Spain back in May.

The American outfit only scored on one occasion, in Austria, and has seen its performance level stagnate and even regress as the season has worn on following a promising start to its life in F1..

The Italian Grand Prix next weekend is quasi a home race for the US squad given its close ties to partners Ferrari and Dallara.

Hopefully the Monza venue and its local fervor will provide the US squad with an extra boost of support to handle its 'Italian job'.

"With Dallara’s headquarters only an hour drive from Monza, I’m sure that a lot of their people will be there," said team boss Guenther Steiner.

"It’s always good to be there because of the passion people have for the racecars. The history of Monza and the passion of the Tifosi give the Italian Grand Prix a great atmosphere, and with it being close to both of our technical partners, we want to do our best."

Technical snapshot - Spa-Francorchamps

Steiner underlined how the relationship with Ferrari has progressively strengthened over the course of the season, with much more still to come.

"The partnership has been great and, without them, we wouldn’t be where we are. I am sure about that.

"It is evolving every day and the people at Ferrari understand what we are doing. We are all here to go racing and I know that they enjoy competition.

"Over time, the relationship keeps getting stronger and, of course, we enjoy working with them."

The Austrian equally insisted on Dallara's contribution to Haas' success in reaching the pinnacle of motor sport.

"They give us their experience. They have the infrastructure and knowledge of the racecars and, for us, it was the best choice to partner with them. The combination of Haas F1 Team and Dallara is a good match."

"We can never really prove it, but I think that it definitely would have been more difficult and a lot less successful without Ferrari and Dallara. We wouldn’t be where we are right now."

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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.