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Gene Haas says a Ferrari reserve driver will pilot one of his cars when the Formula 1 newcomer makes its debut next season.

Haas has a technical partnership and engine supply deal with Ferrari for 2016, with the team receiving all 'non-listed' parts from Ferrari as well as using the Scuderia's windtunnel.

While Haas would not be drawn on names, the team owner's comments suggest Ferrari reserve Esteban Gutierrez is set to get a seat.

Ferrari's test driver and former Toro Rosso racer Jean-Eric Vergne is also in contention.

"Hopefully in the next couple of weeks, we'll have something to say," Haas told AUTOSPORT.

"One of the drivers will be a Ferrari reserve driver and we're still looking for an experienced Formula 1 driver, a current driver. No rookies."

Team principal Gunther Steiner added: "We're just trying to find the driver who best suits what we are looking for.

"We would like that both have driven F1 car before.

"One we want with real experience, one who has been through a few years in F1."

McLaren reserve Kevin Magnussen and Lotus racer Romain Grosjean are understood to be on Haas's list, which has been slimmed down to below the previously indicated 10 names after Nico Hulkenberg re-signed with Force India.

Haas admitted the driver recruitment process in F1 was a learning experience, adding his outfit had made an offer to a driver that was declined.

"It is a process," said Haas. "It's about going back and forth and just learning how to dance with the different drivers and working out who is going to be with us.

"We did make an offer to one driver, which was declined.

"It's a learning experience."