Haas F1-Tech boss praises Pietro Fittipaldi’s pace at the test return

Ayao Komatsu, director of engineering for the Haas F1 Team, said test and reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi did a “fantastic job” on his first F1 run since his race at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Fittipaldi – who started the last two F1 races in 2020 instead of the injured Romain Grosjean – drove Haas’ converted 2019 “mule” car in Yas Marina on Wednesday and tested the 18-inch Pirelli tires, the 2022 be used.

His fastest lap of 1: 28.622 minutes was cheap compared to the 1: 28.499 minutes of racing driver Mick Schumacher on Tuesday. Fittipaldi has re-signed as Haas’ test / reserve driver for 2022.

“Pietro didn’t drive the car for us this year, but as always he’s very professional, he’s prepared well all year so he was physically ready,” said Komatsu.

“We did 123 laps today in the Abu Dhabi heat and his physical condition remained good throughout the day so his performance did not deteriorate.

“We have done both short, low-fuel runs and long, high-fueled runs. His feedback was really good and he was really consistent. “

Pietro Fittipaldi, Haas F1 Team VF-19 Mule

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Komatsu explained that Fittipaldi’s running schedule on the test opening day was different from that of the regular F1 shoemaker, and they used the same connections at different times of the day.

“Pietro drove the soft C5 tire just before lunch, which was quite hot, and it was on the same compound essentially within a tenth of Mick’s time from the previous day,” he added. “And Mick actually drove the C5 compound in much cooler conditions shortly before the end of the session at 6pm.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect that, because Mick drove in the Grands Prix all year and Pietro just jumped in this year without seeing the car. This just goes to show that he is a very capable driver and always ready for any last minute call.

“He did a fantastic job today.”

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