Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsManorMarussia

Rossi eager to pick up where he left off

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Alexander Rossi received the praise of Manor Marussia's team bosses last weekend in Singapore following his F1 debut, and now heads to Suzuka for another round of his Grand Prix training.

The young American, who was brought in on short notice to race with the British squad, endured a complicated baptism of fire when he hit the barriers in free practice.

But he then acquitted himself well in the 61 lap race, beating home team mate Will Stevens in spite of a crucial radio communication failure, a clear impairment given the complexities of today's F1 machinery and the constant changes which are ordered by engineers throughout a race.

“My F1 racing debut in Singapore last weekend really couldn’t have worked out any better for me and I learned such a lot in a very short space of time".

" I head to Suzuka eager to pick up where I left off and focused on taking things to the next level, with the benefit of a little more familiarisation with the car and on a different type of race track."

Rossi was also grateful for serving his F1 apprenticeship within the close knit working environment provided by Manor.

"One thing I didn’t need to learn – because I already knew – was what a great group of people I am fortunate enough to be able to call my team."

"They made things very easy for me in Singapore and with a difficult weekend ahead for all of us, I’m hoping to do the same for them."

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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.