Vettel and the title: 'I can win it!'

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Sebastian Vettel is confident in his chances of bringing the world title back to the House of Maranello.

Asked by Sport Bild magazine if he felt he had a shot at the crown, the German offered a standard answer, but one in which he believes in.

"Yes! If not, I wouldn't go to the grid."

Following an upbeat performance in pre-season testing which concluded last week in Barcelona, and which saw it top the timesheets, Ferrari appears to be in a position to give Mercedes a run for its money.

"All I can say is that the spirit in the team is good, everyone is working for everyone else's benefit," said Vettel.

Red Bull wary of Ferrari self-confidence

But the four-time world champion remains guarded when asked to comment Ferrari's pre-season form, or Formula 1's pecking order in Melbourne.

"It's impossible to predict anything. Even the tests in Barcelona only give a basic idea where you stand. And we'll only have real clarity after three or four races.

"In Formula 1, only results count," said Vettel.

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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.