Vettel suspects bumpy ride at Silverstone caused neck issue

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Sebastian Vettel believes a bump in the road could have been the culprit that led to him taking part in qualifying on Saturday with a very sore neck.

Although he finished hot on the heels of poleman Lewis Hamilton, Vettel struggled during the all-important 60-minute session, with bandaging added to support his neck.

"It wasn't the most enjoyable session," admitted the Ferrari driver who will line up alongside Hamilton on the British Grand Prix grid.

"We've loosened it up and I think the night will help for the race. I'm not worried," he said yesterday.

"The speed is less than in quali because you have more fuel and we're a bit slower so it's going to be ok."

Pained Vettel feared he'd be forced to miss qualifying

Asked what caused the neck problem, Vettel joked: "Maybe it's the stewards' fault from last week. I was looking in the mirrors too intensely!

"I don't know. Maybe I hit a bump."

Drivers have taken aim at Silverstone's bumpy surface and a new tarmac applied back in February apparently hasn't made it any smoother.

"The big bumps are gone but there's a lot of new ones now," said Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas.

"There is no bumpier track on the calendar than Silverstone."

Hamilton echoed his team mate's view, claiming the resurfacing work at Silverstone since last year's British Grand Prix was the "worst" he has ever encountered.

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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.