Stroll welcomes a more 'forgiving' track in China

Williams rookie Lance Stroll will be happy with a more spacious environment this weekend in China with which to continue his difficult F1 apprenticeship.

The 18-year-old got caught out by the narrow Albert Park layout in Melbourne a fortnight ago when he crashed out of the final practice session.

The Canadian thus welcomes Shanghai's more forgiving nature for his second race with Williams.

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"This will be my first time in mainland China, as in the past I have just been to Macau where I raced in F3," Stroll commented in the team's China GP preview.

"I don’t know a lot about the circuit. I have only done some simulator work on the track, so I still have to wait to see what it is like in reality.

"However, I have watched some of the races there so have an idea about the scale of the track.

"After Melbourne, which is a narrow track, I am going to change my approach a bit as it is a little more forgiving with the large run off areas.

"Having said that, I shall just prepare in the normal way as well as I can for the race."

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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.