Opening days leaves Hamilton feeling he'll be 'in the fight'

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Lewis Hamilton admitted there were a few factors that complicated his Friday, but the world championship leader believes - rather predictably - that Mercedes is in the running.

Hamilton was P4 in the morning session but progressed nicely in the afternoon to conclude his day second but very close to teammate Valtteri Bottas in FP2.

The Mercedes driver cited the wind blowing across Silverstone as an element that through a bit of a tricky spanner into the works.

"It's been quite windy, quite gusty out there, so it hasn't been the easiest of days, but we were up there nonetheless, and it looks like we'll be in the fight," Hamilton said.

2019 British Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

"It's always difficult to say after the first day though and the Ferraris are usually a little bit slower on a Friday and then pick up the pace on Saturday.

"The new track surface is better on the straights, especially between Turn 4 and Turn 6 where it was pretty bad before.

"It's still bumpy on the exit of Turn 7 and towards Copse, but after that it's nice and smooth through Maggotts and Becketts and down the Hanger straight."

Hamilton was another driver to confirm that the circuit's new smooth tarmac is having a direct impact on tyre temperatures.

"The asphalt is very smooth which makes it tricky to get the tyres to work, they're in and out of the window, and the gusty winds didn't make it easy.

"I was struggling with the rear end and went off a few times, but Valtteri seemed much more comfortable in the car, so we are going to dig deep tonight trying to figure out what the issue is and how we can solve it for tomorrow."

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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.