Haas upbeat with F1 test debut despite wing failure

Haas F1 Team got a reality check and rude welcome on the first day of their debut Formula 1 test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catlunya.

On the unlucky 13th lap of the American team's new F1 adventure, the front nose of the car driven by Romain Grosjean catastrophically failed at 320kph.

"Suddenly the front of the car went up in the air," the Frenchman is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

The incident was also seen first-hand by Grosjean's teammate Esteban Gutierrez, who was watching the action from the first corner.

But team boss Gunther Steiner played it down, "New parts for the wing attachment are already on the way. [Tuesday] we go back to normal."

Reportedly, the new car is otherwise on the pace of the midfield, and Steiner is happy, "Everything was fine. The temperatures, the suspension setup, the pressures..."

Grosjean summed up his first day at the 'office' with his new team, "It was a pretty exciting day. The morning went very well until we had a small front wing failure."

"It compromised our afternoon a little, but it was good that we could put some laps on the car later. We don’t have any big problems."

"I’m very happy with the first day. It’s been a really good start for the team. It’s been a positive day. Of course, you always want more and more, but I think the most important thing is that I’m happy with the car."

"The first impression is really good. The car balance is there straight away," concluded the Frenchman.