Honda facing usual challenges in Russia

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Honda Racing boss Yusuke Hasegawa is pinning his hopes on improved reliability for McLaren's drivers in Sochi, but performance issues will remain.

Honda believes it has solved the specific weakness of its MGU-H component of its power unit which caused more reliability issues in Bahrain.

Following a satisfactory post-race test at Sakhir, Hasegawa is confident the changes are going in the right direction.

"After a disappointing grand prix weekend in Bahrain, we have since had an extremely busy few days during in-season testing, also at the Bahrain International Circuit," he said.

"The team has been working hard to implement some countermeasures to help combat our MGU-H issues.

"By the second day of testing, we think we were able to confirm the direction of our solution against the issue after completing 81 laps with Stoffel behind the wheel.

"The results are testament to the team’s hard work and determination."

Vandoorne under no pressure to deliver at McLaren

While both Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne would be ecstatic to see the checkered flag o Sunday, putting points on the docket like McLaren achieved last year in Sochi will be a different challenge altogether.

"The nature of the track, with its long straights combined with 90-degree corners, means the race will be stop-start, putting emphasis on the balance of energy management,” he added.

"Unlocking power and managing fuel will also be key.

"We will of course work hard with McLaren during the practice sessions in order to find the best set-up, and we are hoping to show a good performance."

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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.