Hamilton just 'not that great' yet around Mugello

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Lewis Hamilton admits he's still coming to grips with Mugello's challenging layout, but insists there is "plenty to come" after Friday's opening day of running.

Hamilton clocked in fourth in FP1, half a second adrift from teammate Valtteri Bottas, a gap that the six-time world champion reduced to 0.207s in the afternoon session in which his teammate was once again the pacesetter.

As he got acquainted with this weekend's new venue, the Briton has already taken a liking to Mugello's challenges which he expects to get on top of tomorrow.

Tuscan Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

"I like it, it’s fast," Hamilton said. "It’s definitely a real challenge, just I’m not that great at it just yet, but I’m working on it.

"I’m trying to push it to the limit. I think there are sections like the last sector, I’ve got that sorted and pretty happy with that.

"The first and second sector are a little bit weak for me, but particularly the first sector. There’s plenty to come in that section.

"Max and Valtteri are very quick through there so I’ll do a lot of studying tonight and hopefully I’ll rectify that tomorrow."

Unsurprisingly, the current leader of the F1 world championship confirmed Mugello's physically challenging characteristics.

"It almost feels like Turkey, the triple left hander whatever it is there, it is incredibly fast through the first, 6, 7, 8, 9, it’s intense," he said.

"I have to say it’s amazing to experience it. It’s going to be difficult to look after the tyres through that section but everyone is in the same boat.

"On the long run it’s one of the most physically demanding circuits that we’ve been at for a while, particularly with those double right-handers, most of the time we’re flat out through those sections, and it’s just holding your neck the whole time. I love that."

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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.