Haas to make engine decision this week

Ferrari spent three of its development tokens ahead of the Russian GP on improving the combustion of its internal power unit.

And although the changes did not appear to deliver a big step forward at Sochi – the fourth most power-sensitive track of the season – Ferrari is more optimistic about the impact the tweaks will have at the next race.

That is why customer team Haas plans to evaluate the situation carefully and decide if it moves on to its second power unit yet or holds fire.

Team principal Gunther Steiner said: "We will decide this week. We don't know exactly in terms of their manufacturing schedule, if they can introduce a new engine.

"But if we can get a new engine for there we will have it, but we will have to see how it all lines up."

New wing

As well as the potential for improvement on the engine front, Haas also plans to trial an updated rear wing for the start of the European season

"We have got a new rear wing for Spain," said Steiner. "We are bringing stuff for Spain and we keep on bringing things.

"But we need to be sure they work. You can never be sure until you try, but we will be as sure as you can be."

Back in points

The optimism for the Spanish Grand Prix comes after the team returned to the points in Russia last weekend, following a disappointing time in China.

Steiner added: "It is a fantastic result and you never give up in this game. We had a difficult China. We went back and looked at what we did: then FP1 and FP2 here were difficult. That was a learning session.

"FP3 was a little bit better but it wasn't perfect qualifying. We got into Q2 which already is good – because don't forget it is only our fourth race – so finishing eighth is fantastic again. Again it shows that if we get it right, the car can do it, the driver can do it."