Red Bull and Force India not on-track rivals

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On paper, the 19-point gap between Red Bull Racing and Force India in the Constructors' standings suggests the two teams are running close together this season.

But the performance level gives a strong advantage to the Milton Keynes-based outfit over Force India which owes its current fourth place in the championship to its remarkable points-scoring consistency.

"We haven't had a double finish with our cars for two or three races now, and I think they are doing a great job," acknowledged Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"But I think in pace, there is still quite a significant gap between ourselves and Force India.

"They are maximising their opportunities that are presented to them, which they are doing a great job with, but I still feel there is a significant gap between teams."

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Force India chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer share Horner's view on the relative performance of each team and Red Bull's clear advantage.

"We're 19 points behind them now with a quarter of the season gone," he said.

"Nineteen points isn't insurmountable, so it's still an objective that is achievable. However, to achieve that we need more pace.

"They are faster than us, they are going to beat us, it's that simple. If everything stays the same they will beat us."

Szafnauer also cast en eye behind, at its rivals, insisting his team's current position could be at risk if progress and development is not sustained.

"It's way too early," admitted the American manager.

"Last year at this point I think Williams were 60-something points ahead of us and towards the end we just squeaked it out. That could happen to us, so we've got to keep working hard and make good changes.

"It's competitive. Renault are doing a good job, I wouldn't be surprised if McLaren-Honda improved significantly. I think Williams, their car is ultimately better than ours."

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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.