Haas to try new brake manufacturer in Brazil practice

Haas F1 Team will test a new brake package in free practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix in a bid to remedy the series of issues that have hampered its progress this year.

The US team is using Brembo equipment but has been pondering a switch of supplier in the wake of recurrent problems and growing frustrating from drivers Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutierrez.

The Frenchman could not make the start in Singapore due to a brake-by-wire issue and retired in Malaysia with a brake disc failure, while another brake-related problem forced his Mexican team-mate into retirement in Austin.

“We will conduct a test in either FP1 or FP2 with a different brake manufacturer,” team principal Guenther Steiner said ahead of the Interlagos event.

“It is a test to see how the other material reacts and how the drivers like it or don’t like it. We will try to find out as much as possible in the short time we have available.”

Haas is sure to have a busy schedule on the opening day at the Autodromo José Carlos Pace, as it is also set to sample the Halo cockpit protection device for the first time this year.

“We are planning to run it with Romain in FP1 in Brazil,” Steiner confirmed. “We’ll get his feedback and provide it to the FIA. There needs to be more testing done and we’re happy to contribute.

“Even though the Halo won’t be introduced next year, it’s a step toward finding a device that provides protection but also allows drivers to get in and out of the car quickly.”

It will quite be interesting to hear Grosjean’s thoughts on Halo since the Frenchman has been a vocal opponent of the system, saying it goes against the DNA of open-wheel racing.

INTERVIEW: Fernando Alonso: Why F1 is no longer just for heroes

TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the Ferrari SF16-H

F1i Classic: Brazil 1991 - Senna's pain and glory

FEATURE: Foul Play or Foul Language

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter