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F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Magnussen relishing chance to join 'exciting' Haas

Kevin Magnussen says he is relishing the opportunity to race with Haas in the 2017 Formula 1 World Championship, describing its performance in its maiden F1 season as 'very impressive and very exciting'.

The former McLaren driver, who returned to F1 with Renault this season, turned down a one-year offer to stay with the French manufacturer for 2017 in favour of a two-year deal with the privateer Haas outfit.

Though some have raised eyebrows at Magnussen's decision to walk away from a manufacturer outfit to join a team that he admits has suffered 'ups and downs' in its first season, he is excited about Haas' potential going forward.

"I don't think it's the only team that has had ups and downs. There are probably only three or four teams that have achieved stability over the season. That's not really the problem, I mean it is a problem, but many people have that in our end of the grid.

"I think it has been hugely impressive what they have done in their first year, it's not a team that has taken over another team, they have created a new team of people and have been outright points scorers, even in their first race. I think that's very impressive and very exciting."

Having developed its car around a close technical partnership with Ferrari, Magnussen considers this 'different' tactic to be its strength.

"The group of people they have and the way they do things, it's a little bit different to others. I think they can be strong on a consistent base, so I'm looking forward to it."

Zdroj: crash.net