Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsWilliams

Bottas feeling more complete as a driver

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As he enters his fourth season as a Grand Prix driver, Valtteri Bottas believes he has now matured and refined his skills to the very best level.

The Williams driver is expected to clinch his very first Grand Prix win this season, if his mount delivers the goods.

From his own admittance, the Finn thinks he is more prepared than ever to achieve that important milestone.

"I do, actually. I feel more complete as a driver than in any previous season so far because you always keep learning," Bottas says

" It’s a new season, a new start, I had a good winter, training and improving my physical condition, I’m feeling better than ever, so I feel well prepared even with just four days of testing.

"But I already feel comfortable in the car and hopefully that will mean good results."

Williams' new FW38 contender displayed good balance and adequate speed during pre-season testing in Spain, although it may still be early to judge whether the Grove outfit and its drivers can take the challenge to Ferrari and Mercedes on its own merit.

"It’s difficult to know, I’ll tell you on Sunday! Anything I say now is just speculation but from winter testing every team gets an idea of where they are.

"It’s clear Mercedes is very strong and so is Ferrari, but I really hope we can be closer to them than last year.

"From testing to here we brought some updates and if they work as expected, that will help us to be closer and challenge for the podiums.

"But we need to wait and see and we shouldn’t underestimate the challenge from behind, Red Bull, Force India and Toro Rosso."

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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.