Hamilton aiming for better qualifying in Austria

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As the F1 community prepares to embark on its July stretch of four races in five weeks, Lewis Hamilton will be looking to recapture in Austria the momentum he enjoyed before team mate Nico Rosberg renewed with his winning ways in Baku.

For Hamilton, the European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan was practically done before it started with the defending world champion diminishing his chances of success from the outset because of a poor performance in qualifying.

At the Red Bull Ring this weekend, the Mercedes driver will be particularly focused on his Saturday afternoon session in order to avoid any race compromising mishaps or errors.

Overtaking opportunities are typically few and far between around the short layout circuit, which puts the emphasis on lining up at the top of the grid.

"We've got an old school track there in Spielberg," said Hamilton.

"It's fast, with a good flow to it. It's tough to overtake but there are places you can try something different so that's a good challenge.

"It's definitely a big advantage starting up front there, though, so I need to get back on it in qualifying and do a better job than last time out.

"Austria is a beautiful country and I always enjoy my time there, so it would be great to get a win there and tick it off the list."

Lewis Hamilton currently trails Nico Rosberg by 24 points in the world championship standings.

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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.