Williams denies questioning Mercedes engine parity

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Williams has denied claims it has questioned the parity of the power unit supplied to the team as a customer of Mercedes.

Following a clampdown by the FIA on engine parity rules, reports suggested that the technical directive sent to all F1 teams back in January, and which stipulated that works and customer engines must offer identical software and operating modes, was perhaps aimed specifically at Mercedes.

Toto Wolff was adamant however that all of the German manufacturer's power unit were identical across the board.

Mercedes: No difference between works and customer engines

Williams has issued a statement on social media making clear that it has never doubted the equality of the hardware supplied to it by Mercedes.

"Contrary to comments made recently in the press, we refute any suggestion that we have questioned the parity of the power units provided by Mercedes-AMG," read the Williams release signed by deputy team principal Claire Williams.

"We are absolutely confident that the power units used by Mercedes, Force India and ourselves are identical in terms of both hardware and software.

"We have an excellent professional and personal relationship with Mercedes, and our focus is firmly on continuing the good work that we have started, as we prepare for the final test in Barcelona this week ahead of the new season."

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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.