Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

Vettel looking to improve over the weekend

Ferrari showed its teeth in today's second free practice session in China with Kimi Raikkonen just edging out team mate Sebastian Vettel.

The four-time World Champion won't deny any opportunity to break Mercedes eight-race winning streak, but the German believes there's still a fair amount of work to be accomplished over the weekend.

"It’s only Friday so I wouldn’t stress too much," Vettel said.

"We had a decent day, the car feels okay and I did one [quick] lap, but for the long run I didn’t have the opportunity to see what the other people were doing.

"Overall I think we can still improve, but the balance is not yet where I want it to be, so let’s see what we can do."

Vettel also took a keen interest in the fact that his team mate ended the day with the upper hand.

" I was looking at some of his stuff but also some other stuff and I think I saw where he was faster. It’s easy to see when you can read the lines, but not so easy to do.

"I think he had a better lap and we both had a different programme this afternoon so I think it’s useful to compare one person against the other for both of us."

Fiat-Chrysler and Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne is a welcomed presence in the Scuderia's garage in China according to Sebastian Vettel.

"It’s good that he comes by and supports us. The pressure we are giving ourselves, we want to do the best for tomorrow and Sunday. It’s nice that he shows up and he cares."

REPORT: Raikkonen fastest as Ferrari leads Mercedes in FP2

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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.