Binotto: Ferrari 'already working on new concepts' for SF90

Scuderia Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says the Italian outfit is in the process of working on new concepts for its 2019 car to help the team bridge the gap with Mercedes.

Singled out as the clear favourite at the start of the year, Ferrari has failed to live up to expectations, performing occasionally on a par with its German rival but unable to consistently challenge the latter's supremacy on race day.

After last week's in-season test in Barcelona, Binotto underlined the crucial role played by this year's Pirelli tyres, a recurring theme up and down the grid this season.

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"Last week’s testing in Barcelona and analyses carried out in Maranello confirmed just how much this year’s tyres, which are very different to those we had in 2018, require different mechanical and aerodynamic settings to work properly," said the Swiss.

"We are already working in Maranello on evaluating new concepts, as well as bringing some initial further updates here.

"This Grand Prix is celebrating its 90th anniversary, as indeed is the Scuderia, which makes this weekend even more special.

"It’s a very different sort of race, where the track characteristics that can shake up the order could be jumbled up still further this weekend.

"As usual, qualifying will be very important because of the fact it’s almost impossible to overtake.

"Of course, Monaco is Charles’ home race and we know how much it means to him. It means a lot to us too."

During his Monaco Grand Prix preview, Binotto also expressed the sadness felt by the Scuderia following the passing Niki Lauda, of one of its greatest past representatives

"The run up to this Monaco Grand Prix has been perturbed by our sadness at the news of Niki’s death," said Binotto.

"His straightforward no nonsense approach will be missed in Formula 1 and it will seem strange for all of us not seeing him in the paddock.

"Niki was a standard bearer for Ferrari and for Formula 1 and he pushed through changes in motor racing that made it even more professional, being ahead of his time in terms of being a stickler for detail which is now very much a key element of our sport."

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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.