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Mercedes has put its tyre issues behind it - Hembery

Pirelli's Paul Hembery believes that Mercedes has resolved the tyre issues which impacted its performance earlier in the season.

The German outfit struggled early on with its new-spec W08 and its ability to sustain the temperature of its tyres - mainly Pirelli's UltraSoft compound - in their optimum working window.

Following its under-performance in Monaco, Mercedes went all-out to understand and solve its tyre issues. Hembery confirms that the Brackley squad has indeed settled its issues.

"The hard work paid off," the Briton told Germany's Auto Bild.

"What they did between Monaco and Canada was impressive -- a dramatic step," Hembery said in Geneva.

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Hembery also played down recent speculation that Mercedes' struggle was amplified by an alleged advantage gained by Sebastian Vettel over the winter, as the Ferrari driver participated heavily in Pirelli's 2017 test programme.

"We would have liked more top drivers as committed to work as Sebastian was (to join him)," Hembery said.

"He gave us important feedback from morning to night, pushing us in the direction the drivers wanted, and we have to thank him because it makes a difference whether an inexperienced driver or one of the best tests tyres," he added.

Still, he thinks any advantage Vettel got was fleeting.

"If there was an advantage, it was at the very first winter test this year," said Hembery.

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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.