Ferrari halts major development work on SF90

Ferrari's outstanding performance of late has decided the Italian outfit to not bring any more major updates to its SF90 for the remainder of the 2019 season.

While the Scuderia's strong form at Spa and Monza was anticipated, its pace and subsequent win in Singapore came as a major surprise and certified the efficiency of the SF90's latest aero package which is also performing well in Sochi.

"We were competitive and that was important for us," said Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto.

"We did a fantastic qualifying in Singapore with the new aero package.

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"It was important to confirm how good was the package coming here, different types of tracks and set-ups.

"We've been fast, and competitive on the high-fuel runs, so in general I am quite happy."

On Friday, Binotto said that the team's major development work on its 2019 contender had run its course, with the bulk of Ferrari's resources now shifted towards next years' car.

"I would say that we are really now focused mainly on next year's car, back at the factory," said Binotto.

"And if any there are updates this season, will not be as major as the one we had in Singapore."

This weekend, Ferrari will be gunning for its fourth consecutive win this season, a feat no team has achieved - apart from Mercedes - since the beginning of Formula 1's hybrid era in 2014.

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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.