Vettel win validates strength of SF70H package - Arrivabene

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Sebastian Vettel's win in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix clearly demonstrated the strength of Ferrari's 2017 car, says Maurizio Arrivabene.

The German driver delivered a fifth win this season to himself and to the Scuderia, but the first since Hungary last summer.

Ferrari endured a painful winless spell after the end of the European leg of its 2017 campaign following a series of failures and mishaps in Asia, which also crushed Vettel's title hopes.

The team's performance in Brazil, with both its drivers on the podium, was a well-deserved vindication, according to the Scuderia's team boss.

F1i's Driver Ratings for the Brazilian GP

"Already in qualifying, it was clear that the SF70H was quick and well prepared," Arrivabene said.

"On Sunday, we got the confirmation that we have a very good car at our disposal.

"The result of this race is also down to the great job carried out by the team, both here at the track and back in Maranello, not forgetting the drivers who, on the day, know how to step up to the mark.

"Now we look ahead to the next challenge in Abu Dhabi, still determined to give it our all, right to the very end."

Vettel reiterated his belief that, while it all looked easy from the outside, the Brazilian GP had in fact been a very difficult race to manage.

"I think this was one of the most difficult races of the season," Vettel added.

"Valtteri was always very close and we had the same pace, but I pushed very hard and managed to pull a gap.

"This win is very important for me and for the team. After such a long time it's been great to achieve it."

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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.