Vandoorne: 'McLaren can emerge as fourth team in Singapore'

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Stoffel Vandoorne believes McLaren could bag some good points next week in Singapore and perform as the best of the rest at the Marina Bay venue.

The Belgian failed to see the checkered flag at Monza last weekend after he was sidelined by a power unit issue after 33 laps.

Vandoorne cast a positive view however on his Italian trials and tribulation which included an engine change and a start from the rear end of the field.

"In terms of the performance of our package on track, and from my personal side too, I think it was a very strong weekend considering the layout of Monza, and the straight line speed deficit we know we have," he wrote in his post-race column for Motorsport.com.

"To be able to run in the top ten in practice, and to make it through to Q3, was a great result.

"Coming from the back of the grid, my start was very good. I gained three or four places in the first lap and then gained a few other places on the opening laps.

"We were actually going quite strong, and following the Toro Rosso, the Red Bull and the Haas on track. I felt we were quicker than them, but it was just very difficult to overtake."

McLaren could build its own engine - Brown

Vandoorne's engine failure in Italy apparently mimicked the issue he encountered in qualifying, but won't theoretically warrant another engine change - and penalty - for Singapore.

"It appears that the failure does not mean a penalty for the next race in Singapore, because I think we can change the parts.

"So everything should be fine with the engine, and that is positive for Singapore because we want to have a trouble-free weekend.

"I think Singapore will be a good opportunity for us to score some good points, but we need to remember there are two Mercedes, two Ferrari and two Red Bulls that will still be in front of us.

"So we just need to work hard and then I think we can emerge as the fourth team in Singapore."

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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.