Ferrari gets a head's start on 2018

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Ferrari has already initiated work on its 2018 Formula 1 programme, according to team boss Maurizio Arrivabene.

Although the Scuderia remains firmly committed to the 2016 season, especially as pressure is building from the inside for the Italian squad to achieve a race win, resources have already been allocated towards its 2017 and 2018 efforts.

Ferrari's improvements in the engine department have been notable since 2015, and it is hoping more margin for improvement shall be possible in the future as F1 abolishes the token development system which limited progress.

"I have always said the team that is working here is focused on this year because the gap is quite big," Arrivabene explained to Autosport.

"I think we can fight, I'm sure we can fight. In the meantime, we have a different methodology to work so we have a team that is focused on this year's car.

"We also have a little team that is focused on next year's car and another that is looking after 2018, especially on the engine."

A combination of bad luck and poor strategy calls have deprived the Scuderia from a win this season, but its team principal is confident victory will be achieved, and when it does it will likely relieve a fair amount of pressure.

"When you're going to win, we are going up to the sky because I'm very emotional, I'm passionate. But in this role, you have to forget about this, you have to keep calm, look at the season and the next races and keep the team motivated.

"I've always said I don't trust bad luck or good luck, but I think we have a big debt not with luck but with us."

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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.