Haas' Steiner banking on updates in Singapore

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Haas' Guenther Steiner is hoping the team's latest upgrade package will help its cause in Singapore where the US outfit will once again target a run in the points.

The rookie squad halted work on its VF-16 contender over two months ago to focus on its 2017 efforts but is using data collected in its wind tunnel to justify the implementation of new parts.

"We are bringing updates to the car in Singapore which, hopefully, will help us go faster," says Steiner.

"The package includes front wing, modifications to the floor and the brake ducts. We’re aiming to reduce corner sensitivity so the car is more consistent, and enhance aerodynamic performance and overall efficiency.

"We took our time so we are better prepared for next year, this is the last update for the 2016 car."

Haas' maiden F1 season started with a couple of remarkable run in the points, but its performance has unfortunately tailed off since the beginning of the European leg of the championship.

Between Spain and Italy, the US team had five 11th-place finishes and scored only one point, a seventh by Romain Grosjean in Austria. An outcome which Steiner admits has been difficult to accept at times.

"The frustrating thing is finishing 11th five times. You’re almost there, but you’re not there. Eleventh is the first spot out of the points.

"Again, frustrating, but you know you are not far off and you are doing well. The 11th position has been earned by merit.

"We didn’t luck into it five times. We qualified once in the top-10 and made it to Q3 in Italy, so I think we are encouraged, but still disappointed that we don’t have more points."

Haas' outright speed and pace has improved however in the last couple of races, with both its drivers on the verge of accessing the top 10 in qualifying.

"I think we started making good steps in Hockenheim and then Spa and Monza. They are all special tracks and very fast, and they seemed to suit our car a little bit better.

"We learned a lot during the last five-six races about tire management, so I think that helped. We just get better the more experience we gain, and we hope to take that to Singapore."

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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.