Bottas preps for Lapland cold dash

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Valtteri Bottas will be up and running this weekend in Finland, the Mercedes F1 driver taking part ofr the third time running in the Arctic Lapland Rally, the season-opening round of the Finnish Rally Championship.

After tackling the event for the first time in 2019 and finishing fifth with an M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC and then with a Citroen DS3 WRC car last year, Bottas will again enjoy a stint at the wheel of a machine from the French manufacturer, his C3 WRC draped in the colors of sponsor Nolla.

Speaking of colors and liveries, Bottas showcased on social media his special VB Lapland helmet, designed by none other than his girlfriend, Tiffany Cromwell.

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.