Alexander Rossi hopes GP2 surge sways Haas Formula 1 team for 2016
Alexander Rossi hopes his upturn in GP2 form will be enough to win him a seat with Formula 1 newcomer Haas in 2016
Rossi, who has previous F1 experience as a Marussia and Caterham test driver, collected his first win of the year last weekend in the GP2 sprint race at Spa.
The 23-year-old Californian, who sits second in the GP2 standings 105 points adrift of championship leader and McLaren protege Stoffel Vandoorne, has confirmed he is in talks with Haas.
"We're talking, but I wouldn't say advanced talks yet," Rossi told AUTOSPORT.
"We're one of the 10 drivers they have, but I don't think anyone really knows where they're at.
"Obviously I have my hopes, but at the same time I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket because we are talking to other teams and looking at different options, with Formula 1 still being the main objective."
Rossi would like to believe his performance at Spa will at least stand him in good stead in Haas' considerations.
Asked if he believes if he is near the top of the team's potential targets he replied: "I'd like to think so.
"I'm doing the best job I can this year and I think I'm showing what I'm capable of.
"We need to carry that forward as much as we can and get the stars and stripes on the top step as much as possible before they make their decision."
CHILTON IN TALKS BUT DOUBTFUL
Another of the 10 names in the frame for Haas is former Marussia driver Max Chilton, currently competing in the Indy Lights series with Carlin.
Chilton, however, feels his chances of landing a drive are limited as he told Sky Sports: "I've definitely put my foot in the door and we've had a few chats.
"They came out a few weeks ago and said they were talking to 10 drivers, so I am definitely one of those.
"I'd love the chance, but I have a strong feeling it is going to be one young Ferrari driver [Esteban Gutierrez], because it is hugely a Ferrari project - they have Ferrari engines and are using their windtunnel.
"Then I hear they want an experienced driver.
"I like to think I am experienced, but if they want a really experienced driver I think there are only a certain number of drivers on that grid.
"So I think it will be [Nico] Hulkenberg. I can't see Jenson [Button] going there, but I can't see many other experienced drivers that are free for next year.
"I'd like to think I have a chance, but it is probably not going to happen."
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