'Everything is still wide open,' insists Bottas

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Valtteri Bottas believes his chances of a race win tomorrow in Barcelona remain intact, even after failing to secure a spot on the front row of the grid.

Bottas found himself at a disadvantage at the outset after Mercedes was forced to revert the Finn to an older-spec engine following a water leak on his latest power unit.

The setback deprived the Russian GP winner of valuable track time in the morning but he gave it his best in the afternoon's crucial qualifying session.

"For most of the weekend we've had the edge on Ferrari but in Q3 they raised their game," Bottas said.

"For me starting the day with the engine change and moving back to the old engine, I was always going to be on the back foot.

"I really struggled through qualifying with the rear stability of the car, so it was difficult to find a good rhythm.

"It wasn't one of my best qualifying sessions but I'm happy with the job that the team has done. You could see Lewis was very strong and quick today."

Bottas won from P3 in Sochi, so he isn't getting worked up about starting behind the Mercedes-Ferrari combo in front.

"It's a shorter run down to Turn 1 than in Sochi, but we've seen in the past that you can make positions from the second row.

"I've done some good things from P3 before. Everything is still wide open. We're happy with the race pace and upbeat for tomorrow. "
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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.