Haas: America returns to the grid

Haas F1 ready for Formula One season opener in Melbourne.

Haas F1 Team debuts in the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2016, becoming the first American-led Formula One team since 1986.

After the final testing tally of 474 laps (2,206.47 kilometers, 1,369.86 miles) during eight days of track time, Haas F1 has arrived.

Now, the season-opening race of the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship beckons. The 32nd annual Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne begins with practice March 18, qualifying March 19 and culminates with the race March 20. It’s about to get real.

Romain Grosjean:
"It’s a good car with a really good baseline. There are a few things we can still adapt and get better but, in general, I was very happy with the way the VF-16 has been working. (About Australia) It’s early to set goals but, of course, we want to score points as early as possible."

Esteban Gutiérrez:
The VF-16, straight away had a good feeling. I hope we are as competitive and as good as the car feels, but we need to maximize and optimize what we have. Our target is clear — to achieve points. It is quite ambitious as a new team, but that’s what we’re targeting and we’ll work very hard to achieve it."