• Haas Formula

Rossi confirms Haas talks

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Alexander Rossi has confirmed he has had talks with fellow American Gene Haas about driving for his F1 team when it joins the grid in 2016.

Haas, who deferred entry for Haas Formula until 2016 in order to get the correct structure in place, has said he would prefer to form a team with an experienced driver and an American at the helm. Marussia reserve driver Rossi is confident he can do a good job as the latter.

"I am thrilled for Haas," Rossi told Crash.net. "His passion and commitment to enter F1 and bring Americans closer to the sport deserves serious respect. America is growing every year and the amount of support I receive personally is phenomenal. Americans love to have an athlete to get behind and I think having a team in the sport, particularly with someone as well known and successful as Gene would be fantastic."

"We've obviously spoken with Haas and the final step is to have an American driver in F1 that fans can support. If the opportunity comes my way and timing is right, I know I'll be prepared and could do a good job for them."

Since leaving Caterham and linking up with Marussia last month there has been speculation about a senior race seat at the team next season, but Rossi says he is prepared for his debut whenever it arrives.

"I'm confident, prepared and very ready [for F1]. Ultimately my goal is to have a full time Formula 1 seat, that's always been pretty clear. So racing full time is certainly the target I'm working towards."

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