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Front wing failure interrupts Haas team's first Formula 1 test

A front wing failure curtailed the Haas Formula 1 team's debut run with Romain Grosjean on the first morning of pre-season testing at Barcelona

The Frenchman, who joined the American newcomer from Lotus, was running down the pit straight when the wing broke just before Turn 1.

He was able to bring the car back to the garage but was unable to add to his tally of 13 laps before running stopped for lunch.

Grosjean said Haas is investigating but was relaxed about the problem, citing Lewis Hamilton's 2014 front wing failure at Jerez as evidence that such incidents are commonplace, and was hopeful of getting back out.

"We had a front wing failure," Grosjean told reporters. "We're investigating it.

"I think they have a clue what the problem is but they are still investigating to make sure that it doesn't happen again.

"We have seen it with another team two years ago so it's nothing too bad.

"It may delay running but hopefully we can go out and do some more mileage."

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The car did not hit the track until an hour into the session because the team was working to fit parts that arrived overnight.

When it did run, Grosjean said he was happy with the initial feeling.

"It has been a pretty good morning," he said. "The feeling in the car is good, that's important for the guys to know what the driver is thinking.

"The car feels nice. We have a lot of work we need to achieve but I'm pleased with what we've achieved so far.

"So far it's been in line with the simulator data, everyone is happy with that.

"We know we will have problems, that's a fact, but we also know we have good parts on the car, we have good people and the car has been prepared for a long time, so hopefully it will be a good year ahead.

"It has been a special day and a once in a lifetime experience to drive a brand new car out there on track, especially with it being an American team.

"It's very exciting to be part of the project."

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