Mercedes working to shave weight off the W08

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Still reeling from its defeat by Ferrari in Melbourne last weekend, Mercedes is hard at work addressing the multiple factors which could improve its performance.

The German squad's boss, Toto Wolff, has promised an "immediate response" to the Scuderia's challenge and no stone will remained unturned to extract more from the Silver Arrows potential.

Germany's Auto, Motor und Sport is reporting that the team's new-spec W08 was apparently 5kg over its 728kg target, although would not confirm the claim.

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Wolff did however touch on the subject of weight reduction, revealing that it is one area Mercedes are looking to optimise for China next week.

"I don't want to go too much into detail but it's an area we can definitely improve," explained Wolff.

"With new regulations and the size of the cars, you need to balance out all the time between performance parts and the weight.

"And that's an ongoing exercise which we are doing."

Perhaps a bit less heavy-weight jewelry pinned to the ears of one of its drivers would help lighten the load?

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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.