Mercedes brings updated W08 to second test!

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Mercedes isn't wasting any time improving its performance with the German team set to resume testing tomorrow with a heavily revised W08.

Given Mercedes' impressive times and reliability last week, the thought of an even more competitive Silver Arrows hitting the track tomorrow will have its rivals worried.

The manufacturer is rumored to have run its engine last week in a conservative mode, with more power expected to be progressively dialed in this week.

"We are definitely hoping we can make good steps forward," Bottas said before the second round of pre-season testing.

"From the running in the first week, it's tricky to make a detailed analysis of where we are compared to the other teams, and we don't know what other teams are bringing, or for Melbourne.

"We are aiming to improve day-by-day, and now we need to work on all the things we tried. For me also, I need to take everything in I learnt, which was a massive amount.

"We'll try to analyse all that and try to make myself better."

Bottas determined to resist 'first win' pressure

With suggestions that Mercedes new development package could potentially cut off two seconds from Bottas' fastest lap last week, times are expected to enter the 1:18 zone.

But the Finn isn't focused on outright performance, at least not yet.

"The times for me are what they are; maybe [in the second week] we can do a bit of lap-time analysis on where we are.

"But what matters then is what people are bringing into Melbourne for their cars and what the performance is going to be there."

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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.