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Hamilton says revised W10 is 'an improvement'

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Lewis Hamilton feels the heavily revised W10 that Mercedes rolled-out on Tuesday was an improvement over last week's specifications.

The German outfit was a low-profile runner during the first week of pre-season testing, with Valtteri Bottas revealing that its 2019 was not handling as well and as consistently as expected.

On Tuesday, the Silver Arrows squad fielded a W10 that incorporated a big aero upgrade package that included changes to the car's nosecone, front wing and to various floor elements.

Mercedes debuts week 2 with heavily revised W10

"We got through our run programme and the car was feeling relatively good," said Hamilton.

"It was an improvement from last week which is a good step. The tyres are also working a better now that the track temperature is a bit higher.

"We have to continue to analyse everything and keep pushing."

Unfortunately, Mercedes' programme was partly undermined by an oil pressure issue that required a complete engine change, which in turn deprived Bottas of any significant running on Tuesday afternoon.

"It was not exactly the day we hoped for, running for the first time with the bodywork kit that we expect to use in Melbourne, with a large part of the day lost to an oil pressure issue at lunchtime," said Allison.

"Nevertheless, either side of that problem we did do some useful things, finding that the car behaves a little differently with the new package.

"We're looking forward very much to having a trouble-free day tomorrow to get a better feel for what it can do."

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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.