Vettel ready to break 16-year Ferrari drought in Monaco

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Ferrari's last win in Monte-Carlo dates back to 2001 with Michael Schumacher, but Sebastian Vettel feels the Scuderia stands a strong chance of shining in the Principality this weekend.

With two wins with the red squad under his belt this season, Vettel is confident of hearing the Italian and German national anthems on Sunday.

"I think we have a very strong package and a very strong team, so we don't have anything to be afraid of," Vettel said on Wednesday.

"If you look at the last couple of years, it is true that Mercedes were very strong around here so they will be the ones naturally to beat, but I am confident that we can have a good weekend."

The Scuderia's very efficient SF70H has demonstrated its qualities on various layouts this year, and Vettel sees no reason why the car can't compete for pole position on Saturday.

"Yes. I think it is possible," he said.

"We need to get into the rhythm as Monte Carlo is a lot about confidence at the end of the day, so you need to trust your car.

"I am confident we have the tools, so it is up to us to have the right set-up to get into the groove and have the confidence."

Drivers unimpressed with new Monaco kerbs

Vettel underlined the fact that Ferrari was in contention for a win at all five races so far, which validates its potential in 2017.

"I think the most important is that we were there," he said, when asked about if he needed to strike back with a win soon.

"We were there in all five races and we could have won all five if things were turning out a bit differently. But we didn't.

"Sometimes we ended up being on the unluckier side, sometimes not, but I think we have a long season ahead of us. Stuff like that will even out, but the most important thing is that we were there.

"We have had scrappy Fridays, rough Saturdays but we were always there in the race and that is what matters. It proves we have a strong package, a strong car, and we are doing the right thing. I am not so worried.

"We have got the points we deserved so far and other people did just a better job, but we have plenty to look forward to as well."

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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.