Hamilton calls Ferrari's bluff

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Lewis Hamilton joined a consensus opinion expressed in the Barcelona paddock today, saying that Ferrari's pace was better than the already impressive performance we have seen.

The Mercedes stalwart set the second fastest time of the day, achieved in the morning, just three tenths shy of Vettel's 1:19.024 morning benchmark lap.

"It was good to get some laps in this morning with slightly lower fuel. We worked on balance and made quite a few changes.

"I learned a lot about the car before handing over to Valtteri. We were trying to simulate something a bit more like qualifying and the car felt good on lower fuel. It's great to feel it come together.

Vettel fastest, furthest on penultimate test day

With Vettel clearly sandbagging on his fastest mroning run, Hamilton reckons the Scuderia has yet to unleash the true potential of its SF70H.

"I think Ferrari are bluffing and that they are a lot quicker than they are showing. They're very close to us.

"It's difficult right now to say exactly who is quicker. But they are very close, if not faster. Whatever the case, I can't wait to go out and compete. Just a couple more weeks to go..."

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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.