Mercedes brings to life its 2018 Silver Arrows

©Mercedes

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Mercedes fired up its 2018 Silver Arrows, the car the German team hopes will bring it its fifth consecutive Constructors' title this season.

The troops gathered in Brackley for the always special moment when a new machine's engine bursts into life.

The first engine thunder of the year also prompted reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton to post a comment on Twitter:

"The moment when a thousand years worth of working hours are put to the test. This is the moment that starts everything, the moment we’ve all been waiting for..."

Check out the video of the W09's first roar.

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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.