It is manageable. The good thing is we do not know any different. Steiner on Haas operating from three different locations

Q: Guenther, how much of a relief was it to pass the final FIA crash test? In the past we have seen even established teams failing this crucial test… Guenther Steiner: Obviously, it’s good to pass this test, as not passing would delay the build of the car. This would have meant bad news.



Q: So the car is already there - what can you say about it? Is it the most beautiful machine you’ve ever seen? GS: As you can understand the car is not complete yet. It will be completed only a few days before the test - as with I guess most of the other teams. The latest car is always the most beautiful one.



Q: Not so long ago the different locations of the team were only a theoretical situation to mastermind - but now it is reality. Is it hard to handle - and where do you have to adjust? GS: It is manageable. The good thing is we do not know any different. That makes it much easier! (laughs)

I think with Toro Rosso being a well-established team they should be in front of us - even with a one-year old engine. Steiner on where Haas will fit in the pecking order

Q: Towards the end of last year Gene Haas was quoted as saying that he could imagine your car being better than the 2016 Ferrari. Given what you know of yours and Ferrari’s progress, how likely is that bold statement becoming reality? GS: What Gene meant is that our chassis is different in construction than the Ferrari and we’ve had more time to work on it. But that fact is that right now it’s merely a guess as to where everyone stands. Everyone has been developing their cars. We’ll get a better idea as to where everyone is after testing, but we won’t really know anything until we actually start racing in Melbourne.



Q: A new entrant into the top category of motorsport usually has to line up at the back. With the prediction of a good car - with a Ferrari engine - where do you think 2016 will take you? Will you have a massive advantage, for example, over Toro Rosso who will have to use the 2015 Ferrari engine? GS: We hope to line up somewhere in the lower midfield. It is always very difficult to predict how other teams will be doing before testing, but I think with Toro Rosso being a well-established team they should be in front of us - even with a one-year old engine.



Q: Car and engine is only one side of the coin. Racing is also about team procedures during a race weekend. How do you train for this? The eight test days might be too short a time… GS: Correct. One of our biggest challenges is to make the team gel. For example, we have been practising pit stops since December to make sure we are as prepared as possible for Australia.

We have been practising pit stops since December to make sure we are as prepared as possible for Australia. Steiner on preparations for the coming season