Ross Brawn sees Ferrari 'back on the pace' in Monaco

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F1 sporting manager Ross Brawn, who led Ferrari to countless between 1997 and 2006, says the Italian squad will recover from its Barcelona slump next weekend in Monte Carlo.

The Scuderia edged out arch-rival Mercedes from the outset this season, clinching back-to-back wins in Australia and Bahrain thanks to Sebastian Vettel.

The German missed out on victory in China and Azerbaijan but still led the standings heading into the Spanish Grand Prix.

Ferrari failed to hold its own however at the Circuit de Catalunya, clearly outpaced by the Silver Arrows outfit and Lewis Hamilton.

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Brawn insists his former team will be a force to be reckoned with on the treacherous streets of Monaco.

"For the first time this season, Mercedes was the dominant force from start to finish over the weekend," said Brawn.

"Barcelona was its second win of the year, but it was a far more commanding performance than the one in Baku.

"Hamilton and Bottas showed a flash of what we had seen in qualifying in Melbourne, namely their and the car's full potential.

"Hamilton in particular had a weekend in which he was untouchable, especially in the race."

Brawn says it's too early to consider Barcelona a turning point for Mercedes.

"It's not that clear cut, because I expect that the Scuderia will fight back in Monaco, as will Red Bull, who were competitive in Spain, but not enough to fight for pole or the win.

"For the first time this year, Ferrari really showed a drop in form.

"In all four previous races, the Italian team was always in the fight for pole, taking three out of the four, and for the win, which suggested the SF71H was the best car.

"Next up comes the Monaco Grand Prix and I expect to see Ferrari back on the pace there, capable of winning."

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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.