Komatsu: Bahrain has a race with a lot of overtaking

      At the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, new Haas reserve driver Rio Hirakawa will drive a VF-25. He will replace Oliver Berman in the first practice session. The team is looking forward to the race at the Sakhir circuit to assess what progress has been achieved compared to the pre-season tests.

      Ayo Komatsu, team principal: "We are returning to Bahrain, where we completed the pre-season tests. And although only five weeks have passed since then, a lot has changed during that time, and this is a common situation for Formula 1. We had a bad performance in Australia, but then we scored points with two cars in Shanghai and finished tenth in Suzuka.

      We return to Bahrain with a much better understanding of the car. In fact, the team has improved during this time. I'm wondering how the new items that we put on the car in Suzuka will perform here.

      Rio Hirakawa will make his debut for us in the first training session. We were impressed when he drove for us in Abu Dhabi, so it's great to have him back in the team.

      The Sahir circuit usually hosts exciting night races with lots of overtaking, and we are preparing to build on last weekend's success."

      Oliver Berman: "I am very happy to return to Bahrain. This is the first track that I return to as a Formula 1 driver a month after the pre-season tests that took place just over a month ago.

      It should be a good weekend. We're going to have the first night race of the season, so it's going to be fun. Hopefully, the Bahrain Grand Prix will be a great stage in the middle of the series."

      Esteban Ocon: "Bahrain is a special circuit for me. Firstly, it is the home of Formula 1, as it has been undergoing tests in recent years. It's also the first time I've been on the podium at this track, which I always think about when I come here. I like the track because it has characteristics unlike any other.

      The degradation of rubber is very high, all racers know the track by heart, and because of the heat, the race will be a challenge for racers and cars. We usually know what to expect, but the upcoming stage will be an interesting challenge for us, as we return to Bahrain some time after the tests. It's interesting to assess what our true speed is."