Raikkonen a big fan of new cars after first week of testing

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Kimi Raikkonen enjoyed a smooth week of running with Ferrari and liked even more the fell of his 2017-spec Ferrari SF70H.

The Finn was in the car on days 2 and 4, working through the Scuderia's various aero and data programmes with few troubles overall.

"It’s normal testing and it’s been running smoothly," said Raikkonen,

"No issues and more or less like we planned. It’s a good start, but there’s more work to be done next week.

“We wished to do more here and there, but it’s just what we managed in four days. Where we’re going to end up, we don’t know. So far it’s good."

Raikkonen at the helm on final test day

Beyond the feeling of satisfaction linked with a positive week of work, Raikkonen was particularly pleased with his first encounter with F1's new regulations and the latest generation cars.

“Obviously they are different, these are quite big rule changes. There’s more grip and the cars are faster. They are different, but [the cars are] more like they used to be. I like them."

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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.