Mercedes rolls out power unit upgrade in Austria

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Mercedes has brought an updated engine to Austria that will power the cars from the German outfit but also those from Racing Point and Williams.

The spec-2 unit is an improvement over the original engine that would have been used in Australia, with enhancements in terms of reliability.

Mercedes concluded pre-season testing as the best performing team but with a few worries linked to issues that hit two of the outfit's engines and a Williams power unit.

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It was believed the troubles were a direct consequence of the aggressive development program followed by Mercedes' HPP engine department in Brixworth.

Changes were implemented ahead of Melbourne, but Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell and his team of engineers spared no effort after F1's mandatory factory shutdown to produce the upgraded unit that will be introduced this weekend.

The utilization of the new-spec engine will have no impact on the team's 2020 power unit allocation as it will commence for all teams in Austria.

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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.