'Vettel can push Ferrari forward, but they need the right people,' says Webber

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The jury is still out when it comes to Ferrari's capabilities of bridging the gap with Mercedes in the mid-term, according to Mark Webber.

The Australian, now a member of the works Porsche team in the World Endurance Championship, says that Ferrari's season has been disappointing so far as the Italian outfit still has its work cut out for itself in order to dispute Mercedes current supremacy.

"They're making ground on Mercedes," Webber said in an interview ith Germany's Auto Bild. "But they still haven't caught up yet. They've had a good race here and there, but Mercedes still remains unbeatable. And Red Bull is now ahead of Ferrari."

Webber believes Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen are making the most of a frustrating situation.

"Sebastian and Kimi are doing their best. They're protecting the team a lot when they're speaking to the media, but they also know that the team needs to get better.

Webber believes that Vettel, his former team mate, is a great asset for the Scuderia as he can galvanize the team's forces and push it forward.

"He can do it but he needs the right people and I'm not sure if they have them at the moment. Ferrari is under constant media pressure, always needing to deliver.

"You can see with Sebastian that it can be frustrating, but his experience will help him."

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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.