Prost says Ferrari can outrace its rivals to the title

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F1 legend Alain Prost believes Ferrari can finally bring the title back to the House of Maranello this year, based on the performance it has shown so far.

The Scuderia currently enjoys the best all-round package among the front-runners, its SF71-H winning the first two races of the year in the hands of Sebastian Vettel.

Prost - a former member of the Italian squad - thinks Ferrari has the ability to outrace its rivals in 2018 and clinch the world championship for the first time since Kimi Raikkonen's triumph in 2017.

"I made a mistake last year when I said that every time there is a change of regulation, Ferrari was rarely there," the four-time world champion told Italy's Autosprint.

Vettel relying on 'good car' to recapture winning momentum

"In the winter Mercedes and Red Bull seemed to be a little better, but it turned out that they (Ferrari) are there in qualifying and tyre management. And also Raikkonen is there at Vettel's level which will be a great help.

"I think this year Ferrari can win," Prost added.

The Renault advisor has pinpointed Ferrari's progress in the engine department as the main reason for the team's success.

"I think the engine has progressed more than the chassis," said Prost.

"The six drivers for Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull can be competitive in all circumstances. It's more difficult for Hamilton, who has usually fought for championships against single drivers only.

"Now he will not be able to manage races in the same way against four or five competitors, but for us it will be exciting."

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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.