'Vettel factor' can decide title this year - Berger

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Gerhard Berger believes that Ferrari's resurgence this season has led to momentum which Sebastian Vettel can carry all the way to the world title.

After trading wins with Lewis Hamilton in Melbourne and Shanghai, Vettel gained a clear upper hand last weekend in Bahrain, a state of affairs which has surprised Berger.

"I would have lost every bet before the season," the former Ferrari and McLaren driver told Sport Bild.

"Because I doubted that Ferrari would really beat Mercedes. The Vettel factor can decide the world championship this year."

Ferrari confident Raikkonen will deliver the goods

Berger also believes that Vettel's early form bodes well for the Scuderia's chances of keeping the German on-board for 2018.

"With Ferrari performing, there is no reason for him to not stay. Of course, if there is a stretch where he doesn't win any races, there will be enormous pressure.

"But it looks at the moment that they are on the right track. I cannot imagine anything changing."

GALLERY: All the action from the Day 2 in-season testing at Bahrain

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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.