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Mercedes W08 gets striking front-end revamp

It's upgrade galore at Barcelona on the eve of the Spanish Grand Prix with teams showcasing their evolution as the development race takes hold.

Mercedes unveiled a surprise package featuring a few impressive changes on its W08 challenger.

The most striking part is located at the front end with a radical new scoop-shaped turning vanes that attach to the side of the nose and extend below the chassis.

Further back, Mercedes has also introduced complex new bargeboards, featuring a series of vertical fins, as well as a revised rear wing, a two-tiered monkey seat and a re-profiled floor in front of the rear tyres.

Apparently, the design of the new bargeboards works in tandem with the modified front-end in terms of air-flow and downforce.

One particular area of focus at Mercedes has been the W08's overall weight, with the German outfit struggling on this front compared to its rivals.

It is believed the Silver Arrows has shed 6 kg in its latest iteration appearing in Spain.

"We are getting better as a team in all areas of the car, mechanically, aerodynamically, also with the weight – we are getting better and better," Valtteri Bottas said on Thursday.

"We still have work to do in all of these areas, including the weight, but it is definitely getting there, and we are extracting more and more performance but hopefully there is plenty more to unlock.

"It is a tight battle with Ferrari, it is all about the details. Every single bit counts, and definitely we are trying to develop the car as quickly as we can, with all the new bits."

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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.