Romain Grosjean reckons Gene Haas' target of his team being within half a second of Ferrari is achievable.
The American team owner outlined his lofty ambitions ahead of the 2018 season. Since entering the sport in 2016, Haas and Ferrari have shared a technical partnership with Ferrari supplying engines and all additional parts allowed under the regulations.
"The resources are limited, but I think we are learning to exploit them at their best. All of our providers as well, Dallara and Ferrari, everyone is doing a great job to help us and to make us better. I think Ferrari, everyone talks about the engine, which is a big part but we've got the suspension, the hydraulics, the gearbox as well and all of that, is a big part of our car.
"That's why when Gene says "I want to be within half a second of Ferrari'', I don't think that's unrealistic. I've already admitted we can do the thing and we've got some people, we will see. I guess one of the big challenges for Haas this year is to keep the development going, which has been the weakness over the last two years.
"Weakness, yes and no. I say that with maybe not the right word as we focused very early on this year's car. I mean last year by May we didn't have anything in the wind tunnel for 2017. It's very early but I believe it allows us to get a decent car this year and obviously to be able to fight for a positive constructors' championship position.''
After impressing in pre-season testing, Grosjean is hopeful Haas can make the most of its early season pace -- as it did in 2016 with two points finishes in the team's first two races. He sees the early flyaway races as a chance to score big as teams get to grips with their 2018 cars.
"I mean the first few races are always the ones where you have the chances to get a good result. Reliability, teams haven't found the sweet spot on their car and normally by the time you are in Barcelona, the big upgrades are coming so there you see a big difference in terms of performance. We will see what we can do.''
Rolex Australian Grand Prix Schedule on ESPN Networks (all times Eastern)
Thur., March 22
Practice 1 9 p.m. ESPN3
Friday, March 23
Practice 2 1 a.m. ESPN3
Practice 3 10 p.m. ESPNEWS
Sat., March 24
Qualifying 2 a.m. ESPN2
Sun., March 25
On the Grid 12:30 a.m. ESPN2
Race 1 a.m. ESPN2
Race (encore) 11 a.m. ESPN2
Race (encore) 1 p.m. ESPNEWS
Race (encore) 9 p.m. ESPNEWS