Bottas takes Toyota's Yaris WRC for a spin!

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While his F1 colleagues enjoy a leisurely few days off ahead of next week's German Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas indulged in a bit of rallying.

The Mercedes driver traveled to Toyota's test site in Finland to sample the manufacturer's Yaris WRC contender usually entrusted to works drivers Ott Tanak, Kris Meeke and Jari-Matti Latvala.

Bottas made his rally debut back in January driving a Ford Fiesta WRC in the Arctic Rally, but the Finn's Toyota test was "just for fun".

"There is no contract," insisted Toyota Gazoo Racing sporting director Kaj Lindstrom, speaking to Motorsport.com.

"He was happy in the Arctic Rally, but we have the best car and he wanted to try it!"

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.