Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsWilliams

Massa believes Williams is falling behind

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Felipe Massa believes that three team are now comfortably ahead of Williams after the first three races of the 2016 season.

The Brazilian driver who, along with team mate Valttero Bottas, has scored consistently since the season-opening Australian GP, was hoping his Williams FW38 would demonstrate more speed compared to its rivals.

Hopes were particularly high for last weekend's Chinese GP as the venue appeared well suited to the FW38's qualities.

While Massa noted the team's improved strategy, which helped him take sixth place, he believes the gap with Mercedes and Ferrari has increased and that Williams now have to contend with a revived Red Bull.

"Three teams are in good shape, better than us," Massa told Brazil's Globo.

"We can get a little closer - depending on the track - to Red Bull in qualifying. But we know that in the race they have a much stronger car.

"I finished in the best position I could. We really need to understand where the other cars are better than ours.

"We know it will not be easy, but we will continue to fight and to work."

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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.