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Rosberg on baby watch

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Spa will undoubtedly mark an important race for championship contender Nico Rosberg. The Mercedes driver has a 21-point deficit to team mate Lewis Hamilton as the second half of the season is underway.

The German will need to up his game this weekend just to remain in contact with his dominating and ambitious rival, while an outright win would definitely boost his title aspirations.

But Rosberg's greatest enjoyment may well come in the form of fatherhood as his wife Vivian is expected to give birth at any time now to the couple's first child.

In order to be prepared for any eventuality, a private jet is now on call at Liège airport, ready to fly the racer back to Monaco as soon as the newborn enters the world, pending any on-track obligations of course.

Mercedes have approved Rosberg's mad-dash travel plans providing they don't occur during qualifying.

Whether the happy event will perhaps take the edge off Nico's focus at such an important time remains to be seen. Lets just hope he'll enjoy a memorable weekend regardless of what comes first, the baby or a good result in Spa.

Chris Medland's Belgian Grand Prix preview

Click here for a gallery of the biggest crashes at Spa-Francorchamps

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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.