Lauda: no sand-bagging at pre-season Barcelona test!

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Niki Lauda assured that Mercedes won't be holding anything back in the final days of pre-season testing in Barcelona early March.

With teams typically unwilling to show their hand during their initial pre-season outings, the tests often don't offer a reliable scale of performance between competitors.

But Lauda insist there will be no sand-bagging this year in the Silver Arrows camp.

"The Barcelona tests will be used to get to know the new rules during the first four days," the Mercedes non-executive chairman told Swiss newspaper Blick.

"The four days between the testing sessions will be used to develop updates. Then, from March 7 to March 10, we will do business.

"This time nobody will hold back and only show their cards at Melbourne. This time we want to know where we are on track."

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While not elaborating extensively on the subject, Lauda offered a bit of insight on the team's new W08 challenger.

"I saw it when it was still under basic construction," he added.

"I was delighted from the start. The broader car with its bigger tyres looks awesome. The fans will like it for sure."

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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.