Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFerrari

Allison extends contract with Ferrari

Ferrari technical director James Allison has extended his contract with the Scuderia until 2018 according to F1 insider and renowned Ferrari blogger Leo Turrini.

Allison's continuation with the Italian squad is not a surprise given the upturn in form enjoyed by the the Scuderia this season.

The former Lotus engineer oversaw the design of the team's current battle horse, the SF15-T chassis, which has provided Ferrari with two wins so far this season in the capable hands of Sebastian Vettel.

James Allison will be joined next year in Maranello by former Mercedes engineer Jock Clear, currently on gardening leave from the German squad, who should inherit the responsibilities of Pat Fry who departed Ferrari at the end of last year.

With Allison's confirmation and Kimi Raikkonen's contract renewal for another year, it appears sporting director Maurizio Arrivabene has favoured a foundation of stability to which to build on the team's current positive momentum.

Click here for Chris Medland's Italian Grand Prix preview and bold podium prediction.

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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.