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Jean Todt: Ferrari not lacking much

FIA President and former Scuderia boss Jean Todt believes the gap between Ferrari and arch rivals Red Bull and Mercedes isn't that big.

Ferrari endured a winless 2016 campaign and also lost its 'best of the rest' status to Red Bull behind Mercedes, but Todt says the Italian outfit , whose destiny he guided from 1994 to 2007, isn't that far behind.

"They are lacking 10% in comparison to Mercedes and 3% to Red Bull, that's not a lot," Todt said in an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera.

"Ferrari has always fought in the leading group and achieved incredible success when there were no problems with reliability.

"If we had the same reliability as they have now, we would have won the title in 2006 with Michael Schumacher and 2008 with Felipe Massa."

Speaking about his time at the helm of the Scuderia, Todt admitted that the incessant pressure to deliver had got the better of him after 14 years.

"I left Ferrari because I could no longer withstand the pressure associated with the obligation to win every other Sunday. I had reached my goals and was interested in taking on another challenge.

"I have no regrets however. I only think of the past when someone reminds of it."

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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.