Bearman and Komatsu surprised by Haas qualifying pace at F1 Japanese GP

Oliver Bearman admitted he did not expect to get out of the first qualifying session for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix before putting his Haas 10th on the grid.

Having benefitted from a trio of disqualifications to finish eighth last time out in China, Bearman continued to impress after progressing to Q3 at Suzuka.

In contrast, team-mate Esteban Ocon failed to get out of Q1 and will start down in 18th but, in front of a crowd with a growing number of fans for the squad following its technical deal with Toyota last year, Bearman delivered.

Despite being hampered by a number of red flags throughout practice and qualifying, the majority of which were caused by grass fires at the side of the track, Bearman was able to mix it at the right end of the field.

“I didn’t expect to go to Q2 either, so I was pretty happy to be in Q3 at the end,” he said. “I don’t think any of us expected that after everything that happened so far this weekend.

“It’s been quite difficult, very interrupted sessions this morning and yesterday afternoon.

“I hadn’t actually got a lap on the board on softs since FP1. So, to get out there and really build it up and have a good qualifying, I’m really proud of the team and myself as well.

“Generally I’ve had a good rhythm all weekend and I felt really confident with the car, which is what I’ve been telling the team, but they didn’t have anything to back it up yet.

“Then after Q1 and Q2, that was really where I started pushing the car and finally actually giving 100% everywhere.

“I hope to fight the guys in front, not behind – starting within the points, which is always good. I think we have better race pace relative to qualifying pace.”

Reaching Q3 for the first time in F1, particularly at a circuit like Suzuka, was something Bearman will not forget in a hurry.

“It’s amazing – it’s the most fun I’ve had probably in my life,” he added.

“It’s so cool. This car and qualifying on low fuel on a track like this is just incredible.

“The grip, especially with this new sector one, is so high. My neck doesn’t like it, but the rest of my body does. It’s really been amazing and so much fun.

“So far this weekend on the soft tyre we haven’t really been extracting everything. So to be in Q3 on our weakest tyre is a good thing. I felt quite comfortable on the medium and the hard this weekend.

“So let’s see. I know there’s rain tomorrow predicted. But either way it’s going to be an interesting race.

“They [the fans] have been so cool. It’s been amazing. I’ve had so much support from the Japanese fans. Also being part of Haas, there’s a lot of support for us anyway. The Japanese fans are so creative, which is fantastic. It really makes it a pleasure to be here.”

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu echoed Bearman’s sentiments and also reserved special praise for the work completed behind the scenes at the track and back at the factory.

Bearman and Ocon were competing with a new floor, developed rapidly following a disappointing season opener in Australia, while the team on the ground in Japan also delivered.

“If somebody told me this morning that we can get into Q3, I don’t believe it,” said Komatsu.

“Ollie’s done a fantastic job, but the team, from last night to this morning, then between FP3 and qualifying, I think we worked really, really well to get performance out of the car.

“Obviously, it means a lot. We are the smallest team on the grid, so everyone’s working extra hard. Then to get a result out of here would be huge.

“The floor, like I said before, we took some risks to bring it over here, but then FP2, data was completely clear. It did work, so that was really pleasing.

“Then we worked on the car a bit more, preparation for qualifying, and everything just worked. But again, it’s just every single time we send the car out, we’re learning something, we’re improving.”