New Sauber C36 premieres in Barcelona!

©Sauber

This will probably be the only instance in 2017 when Sauber gets the upper hand over its F1 rivals. The Swiss outfit and Marcus Ericsson enjoyed a shakedown run at the Circuit de Catalunya yesterday before any other F1 team. As one can see here, the new generation, wider track cars look distinctly different out in the field. Will that front wing survive around the narrow streets of Monaco or Baku? Wait and see...

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.