Engine equalisation would rein in Mercedes dominance - Tost

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Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost believes that Mercedes' dominance in the past three seasons stems more from its power unit than anything else.

Indeed, the German outfit superbly negotiated the turn which ushered in the 1.6 litre V6 hybrid era, with its an engineering in the field clearly a step ahead of its rivals.

While Tost echoed the majority of F1's voices in hoping that next year's regulation change would upset the order at the front, he isn't a big believer in Mercedes' demise in 2017..

"If you want to make the show better, first we must equalise the engines," said the Austrian.

"If in 2017 Mercedes still has the edge, then the FIA must freeze the engines to allow the others to catch up the gap.

"Right now we have a championship of engines, because at the wheel of a Mercedes, Alonso and Vettel would have become champions too."

Tost was nevertheless hopeful of the Silver Arrows at least being challenged more often.

"I'm hoping Red Bull and Ferrari can make progress," he insisted.

"Viewers want to see different winners, as well as accidents without serious consequences. I constantly hear from my friends 'Accidents don't even happen at the starts anymore'.

"And we need to get rid of the penalties,"

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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.