Ocon completed his “best day of testing” with Haas

The work of preparation and integration into his new team continues for Esteban Ocon, who was on track this week with Haas for a private testing session organized in Jerez de la Frontera. For the first time, the American team ran one of its old single-seaters as part of a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) program, governed by the regulations and made possible by its technical partnership with Toyota.

The test took place over two days in Andalusia, with the Haas VF-23 from the 2023 season. Oliver Bearman was the first to take the wheel on Wednesday morning, before being relayed by Toyota protégé, Ritomo Miyata. Thursday morning, it was Esteban Ocon's turn, before the Japanese driver completed the day once again.

The French driver obviously greatly appreciated the experience, which also allowed him to work on learning the systems, discussions with engineers, the driving position and even the management of a Ferrari power unit that he was discovering. after five seasons spent at Renault/Alpine.

“It was great to get back on the track”he rejoiced. “I felt really comfortable. I honestly think it was the best day of testing I've ever done. We completed the entire program.”

“It was a pleasure to drive this VF-23, which I discovered for the very first time. And then to come here, to Jerez, for the first time in ten years, on a very fast circuit, it was very Nice. It makes me want to get back behind the wheel very soon, and it will come quickly. In the meantime, I'm going to go back to training in the next few days.”

Haas was not the only team on the grid to race on the Jerez circuit since Mercedes had also set up there to give track time to its new starter Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian, who has already done multiple TPC tests in 2024, was this time at the wheel of the W11 from the 2020 season, at the wheel of which Lewis Hamilton won his seventh world title.

Note that the single-seater from the Brackley team was decked out in a camouflage livery on this occasion.