Ferrari mounts new front wing for Russia

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In its bid to bridge the gap with Mercedes and break the German manufacturers' winning streak, Ferrari will introduce a new front wing this weekend in Sochi for its SF16-H

Both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen will enjoy the aerodynamic upgrade, but both drivers will also have an upgrade package implemented in Russia.

Ferrari have spent three development tokens to improve combustion of its engines and, the modification destined to raise the compression ratio inside the engine's cylinders which in turn should increase exhaust gas flow and, ultimately, enhance turbo performance and horse-power.

The engine changes will put Raikkonen on his second power unit this season while Vettel will be on his third.

Ferrari is hoping that the overall upgrade package will help it extract more potential from its SF16-H contender, and take the challenge to Mercedes.

While both the Scuderia drivers have displayed speed comparable to Mercedes' stalwarts in qualifying, engine failures for Raikkonen and Vettel, in Australia and Bahrain, have deprived the team of precious points.

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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.