Seidl: 'Strong operational momentum' key to triple-header challenge

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McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl says upholding his team's "strong operational momentum" will be crucial to successfully tackling F1's upcoming triple-header.

This week's French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard will kick off a trio of consecutive races that will include a two-week residency at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

McLaren has performed well since the start of the season, scoring points in every round so far.

But the Woking-based outfit was overhauled by Ferrari in the Constructors' championship in Baku thanks to Charles Leclerc's fourth-place finish in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and McLaren will be working hard to reclaim its P3 spot in the standings.

"As a team we know what to expect from the demands of a triple-header and we’re well prepared for the task at hand," said Seidl.

"Keeping strong momentum operationally, with our reliability and the management of spare parts is a priority to overcome the unique challenges that back-to-back races present.

"After taking the time to analyse and understand the data from Baku, it’s clear that we still need to continue to take steps forward as a team and extract the most out of our package as we compete in a very close battle with our competitors."

Starting next weekend, F1 will return to a series of conventional circuits, but Seidl is uncertain how the change will impact the running order, but good points should be on the cards for McLaren.

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"The Circuit Paul Ricard is a different style of track compared to previous races and therefore it’s difficult to understand the pecking order ahead of the weekend," he said.

"Our priority going forward is to qualify well in order to put ourselves in the best position possible to score the most points on Sundays.

"We remain focused and determined to once again fight for good points this weekend.

"Finally, we’ll be racing in honour of Mansour Ojjeh this weekend. He was and always will be an integral part of the McLaren family and a true inspiration to all of us."

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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.