Wolff: Mercedes 'getting closer' to fighting for race wins

©Mercedes

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Toto Wolff says Mercedes needs to uphold its pre-summer break momentum at Spa, as the Brackley squad is "getting closer" to fighting for race wins.

Mercedes heads to Belgium on the back of six consecutive podium finishes and two double top-three results, in France ad in Hungary.

The performances undeniably reflected the team's progress in extracting more pace from its W13 silver arrow while mitigating the bouncing issues that impacted Mercedes' car earlier this season.

"We head into the break off the back of a strong run of races and our biggest race weekend points score so far this year, in Hungary," commented Wolff in Mercedes' Belgian Grand Prix preview.

"While we're still not quite in the fight for victories, we're getting closer, so we need to keep the momentum going and the pressure on."

©Mercedes

Spa will begin a busy triple-header for F1 teams that will take crews from the Ardennes to Zandvoort next week and then on to Monza.

"The shutdown is an important time for the team to take some time off, recharge and spend time with their families, whose support throughout the year is invaluable," added Wolff.

"There are few opportunities to do so during the season and the development race is relentless, so the break has been well deserved for everyone in the team.

"We're set for an intense second half of the season, with nine more opportunities to find improvements, make progress and hopefully challenge Red Bull and Ferrari for wins."

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Since the advent of the hybrid era in F1 and Mercedes' domination of the sport, the German outfit has won four of the last eight races at Spa-Francorchamps, while Lewis Hamilton is also a four-time winner at the legendary venue.

"Spa-Francorchamps needs no introduction," continued Wolff. "A classic track with an old-school feel, the scene of many iconic moments in F1 history and an incredible challenge for both the car and drivers.

"We're excited to be back there, hopefully we can put on an awesome show this year for all the fans in Belgium, and we'll also be celebrating 55 years of Mercedes-AMG too, with some fun activities."

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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.