Raikkonen gives new Ferrari two thumbs up!

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Kimi Raikkonen got the priviledge of shaking down the Scuderia's new SF70H which was fresh off this morning's launch pad.

The Finn reported that it was a troublesome - albeit brief - run, with no issues to report.

Obviously we didn’t go full speed, it’s the install lap and the very first lap with the new car so it all felt okay," said Raikkonen after his maiden run in the new car.

"It’s just the first touch, we get some more today, but the main work starts when we go testing in Barcelona. But so far so good and we’ll go from there."

Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene also believes that the machine's true test will obviously be at next week's pre-season test.

"The next two weeks we’re going to be in Barcelona, we will follow our programme and in Melbourne then we will see where we are," he said.

"It’s always a big emotion when you’re going to see, live, a new Ferrari.

" Having said so, looking at the car, I was thinking about the effort, the dedication, the professionalism and passion of all the people at Ferrari put together to lift up this car.

"The car is the result of a team effort and I’m very proud about this."

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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.