Wehrlein heads to new beginning with Sauber

©PascalWehrlein

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Pascal Wehrlein is all set and raring to go, as the Sauber driver heads to Australia and to a brand new dawn in his life in Formula 1.

Luckily, the demise of manor, the 22-year-old's former team did not have an impact on his career as Mercedes kept its protégé going with a seat at Sauber.

"The Australian Grand Prix will be very special for me and also for the Sauber F1 Team," he said.

"It is the beginning of my new role as a Formula 1 race driver in the Swiss team, and I am sure when those five lights go out it will be a unique moment on the race day."

The winter intermission was not without its worries for Wehrlein, with a back injury sustained at the Race of Champions in Miami depriving him of testing mileage in Barcelona.

Wehrlein: 'Mercedes didn't want to burn me with top F1 seat'

Despite the set-back, Wehrlein feels he is ready for a new chapter in his career.

"During the second week of pre-season testing I had productive days, where I was able to get quite familiar with the Sauber C36-Ferrari procedures.

"After intense physical preparations in the last few weeks I am excited about going to Melbourne, and I feel ready and well-prepared for the challenging season opener.

"It looks promising at the moment for me, but we never know until we get to Melbourne. I have full trust in our teamwork."

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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.