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Petronas to debut new Mercedes fuel in Barcelona

Mercedes will get a boost next week thanks to fuel partner Petronas which has concocted a new proprietary mixture specifically for the W08's power unit.

Mercedes' Andy Cowell recently revealed that the German manufacturer improved in almost all areas of its engine units.

Petronas has followed suit with its Primax fuel, elaborated after extensive research at its facility in Italy and as a result of it working hand in hand with Mercedes' engineers.

"The new power unit will seek better performance by moving the limits in terms of duration of energy conversion," explained Petronas motorsport manager Andrea Dolfi.

"For this reason, the Petronas Primax new fuel and Petronas Syntium engine oil were reformulated to meet the demands of the Mercedes engineers."

As it seeks to improve energy deployment in 2017, Dolfi insisted the fuel gains will play a role in the car's performance.

"The value in performance is significant. I can't say more because the data is sensitive, but we are satisfied with the work that has been done."

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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.