'Vettel will shine this year', predicts Villeneuve

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Jacques Villeneuve believes Formula 1's 2017 cars are tailor-made for Sebastian Vettel, and predicts the German will shine this year.

F1's new generation of cars, with wider tyres and increased downforce, will undoubtedly require a good amount of muscle but also finesse to make the most of their potential.

And Villeneuve believes Vettel profile perfectly matches the new cars requirements.

"Sebastian's driving style fits perfectly with the new cars," he told Sport Bild.

"Not just that, he is the one who has done the most kilometers with the new tyres -- by far. This is a clear advantage, especially at the beginning of the season," said the former Williams driver.

The man who won the world championship in 1997 is also looking forward to the prospect of faster cars, which he believes will finally separate the boys from the teenagers.

"Finally, the days are over when you could go straight from a tricycle to a formula one car," said the French Canadian.

"Now these cars need men, not kids."

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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.