Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Bottas expecting 'pretty decent step' from Mercedes updates

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Valtteri Bottas believes Mercedes' upgrade package for Suzuka will provide the Silver Arrows team with a "pretty decent step" in terms of performance.

Teams are winding down their 2019 development programmes as resources are shifted towards next year's cars, but Mercedes has implemented a few aerodynamic changes on its W10 for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, mainly centered around the car's sidepods.

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"We’re bringing a pretty solid update package this weekend," Bottas said.

"We’ll try it tomorrow and see how it works but in theory it should give us more performance.

"How much actually, that’s something we’ll find out, but we have some rough numbers and it’s a pretty decent step in terms of upgrade packages so far. We shall see."

Mathematically, Mercedes can potential secure the Constructors' title at Suzuka if the German outfit outscores its Ferrari rival by at least 14 points.

©Mercedes

However, Bottas believes his team might be challenged to fulfill that task given the significant gains achieved by the Scuderia versus Mercedes since the end of the summer break.

"This track has some pretty decent straights, where we’ll definitely have a disadvantage compared to Ferrari, so they’re going to be gaining time there.

"But there are some good sections, full of corners, where we know we’re good at and hope that with the upgrade package we’ll be even better.

"It’s so tough to predict, so the only thing I can say is that in qualifying Ferrari will be very strong again but in the race we should have similar pace."

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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.