Haas kicks off F1 season with historic test and a striking new name

Formula 1 teams are in full preparation for the new season, which starts with the official test at the end of February. In the run-up, several teams take the opportunity to do a so-called TPC test. That is a Testing of Previous Cars. Haas F1 has announced it will hold such a test next Wednesday and Thursday.

It will take place at the Jerez circuit in Spain. It is a historic moment for Haas F1, as it is the first TPC test in the team's history. Thanks to new revenue streams and especially the arrival of Toyota as a partner, it will be possible to hold such a test in 2025.

As testing is only allowed in an F1 car that is at least two years old, Haas has chosen to drive the VF-23. On Wednesday, Oliver Bearman steps in first, followed by Toyota protégée Ritomo Miyata in the afternoon. A day later, it is Esteban Ocon's turn, again followed by a session with Japan's Miyata.

Haas F1, when asked, reveals to GPblog that Miyata is attached to the team for this test only. The Japanese will compete in Formula 2 next season on behalf of ART. In the past, he was very successful in Japanese Super Formula and Super GT. In both championships, he captured the title in 2023.