Valtteri Bottas kicked off his day's work with Mercedes after lunch, completing 86 laps through a series of long runs, set-up programmes and tyre analysis.

The Finn insisted the team and himself were still in discovery mode as the W08's potential is gradually unveiled.

"We managed to complete more mileage - more than 80 laps in four hours - which is good," Bottas said.

"We're still focusing on the long runs and doing setup changes and learning about the car, so it was a valuable day."

Echoing Lewis Hamilton's comments after the morning session, Bottas admitted the team was not yet satisfied with the car's status.

"We haven't quite got to the point where we want to be yet. There's always work to do with the car and we're evaluating all the upgrades - what's good and what's not good - and seeing in what areas we still need to improve.

"We're not looking at lap times right now, but we can beat the 1:19.705 we set last week if we want to, it's definitely possible."

Asked to cast an opinion of Mercedes' rivals, Bottas was another driver to note the impressive pace of the cars in red.

"I think Ferrari are looking very good - they seem to be consistent and fast. We shouldn't underestimate them or Red Bull.

"We'll need to keep working hard to be in the best shape possible for Melbourne."

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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.

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