Verstappen gives 'more demanding' RB13 two thumbs up!

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Max Verstappen piled on the miles Tuesday as he got himself acquainted with Red Bull Racing's RB13.

The Dutchman who followed Daniel Ricciardo behind the wheel was luckier than the Aussie today as he was spared reliability woes, running a trouble-free 89 laps.

“We had a very positive day with not too many issues and we’ve done quite a lot of laps so we can be happy," said 'Maximum' Max.

"For us it’s not about showing how quick we can be at the moment. It’s the first test week and the second day, so it’s much more important to get some mileage in and to check if all the parts are okay. We’ll focus on lap times later on."

Raikkonen fastest on Day 2!

The 19-year-old charger gave two thumbs up to the new cars, noting their increased performance and pace.

"The speed difference compared to the cars from last year is a good step; it’s definitely more enjoyable through the faster corners.

"You also have a lot more traction going through the slow corners and that was very difficult to find a good compromise with last year.

"But with such wide tyres and such big cars that’s a lot better now. Of course it’s more demanding but that’s what we trained for in the winter so you have to be up for it."

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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.