Wolff welcomes Allison, 'the right man for our organisation'

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James Allison, Mercedes' new technical director, reported to duty for the first time yesterday in Barcelona, wearing his new team colors.

Allison left Ferrari last summer, in need of some personal down time following the tragic loss of his wife earlier in the year.

But his expertise was quickly picked up by Mercedes which sought a replacement for its own departing tech boss Paddy Lowe.

"His skills and personality perfectly complement the team," team boss Toto Wolff told Italy's Corriere della Sera.

"We share the same spirit. For a long time we thought he was the right man for our type of organisation, but he was not available.

"He comes from a terrible period with his family tragedy and last year in which Ferrari did not meet the expectations of president Sergio Marchionne.

"But he is very motivated and we will help him turn the page," Wolff added.

Allison's former team, Ferrari, has enjoyed a good performance level since pre-season testing got underway last week, and Wolff has taken notice.

"Yes," he said, "although I still don't know who will be our strongest rival. But Ferrari is proving to be very fast.

"Red Bull is still difficult to judge but they will 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.