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Red Bull Racing fast tracks updates for opening round

For the opening round of the world championship, Red Bull Racing has implemented updates on its RB15 initially scheduled for next month's China Grand Prix.

A positive assessment of the performance of its Honda-powered 2019 contender after pre-season testing decided the Milton Keynes-based outfit to work overtime to fast-track the upgrade, an operation overseen by chief designer Adrian Newey.

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"Parts that were planned for the third race were brought forward, thanks to all the pressure he [Newey] could provide to get them on to the car for Melbourne," explained Marko, speaking to Red Bull's Servus TV.

"Our optimism is not unfounded. I see us behind Ferrari over the race distance, but ahead of Mercedes.

"The RB15 is certainly the best and most expensive car in the history of Red Bull Racing, if you take efficiency and the technical perfection of the parts, because in every phase, every employee was convinced: now we are back on track.

"Now we have another chance to race for victories on our own."

©RedBull

Marko's prediction that Red Bull would win at least five races this year was received with a bit of doubt by those who question the outlook for the Red Bull/Honda combo.

But Red Bull's motorsport boss is sticking to his guns.

"There have been many negative voices saying that Honda can't do it. But we've never had such faultless test days," said the Austrian.

"If we have more horsepower, it's only logical that we have to look forward this year. Last year we had four victories. Five victories are realistic. I hope there will be even more."

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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.