Oliver Rowland named Renault F1 development driver

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Renault Sport Academy graduate and DAMS F2 racer Oliver Rowland has been named as Renault F1's development driver for 2017.

The 24-year-old Brit from Sheffield will be entrusted with both simulator and on-track programmes.

"We know Oliver very well and we are very pleased to reward his work with this position with Renault Sport Formula One Team," said Renault Sport manager Cyril Abiteboul.

"Development Driver is an important position in a team and it is very interesting to have someone who already knows us well."

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After moving up the junior ranks, Rowland made his GP2 debut in 2015 with a limited programme before competing in the series full-time last season with MP Motorsport, with whom he finished ninth.

"My aim has always been to get a role in Formula 1 so it’s great to see all my hard work pay off," Rowland enthused.

"The Renault Sport Academy was the perfect training ground and the role of Development Driver is another great step after being within the Renault family for so many years with Formula Renault 2.0 and 3.5 and then the Academy too.

"I learnt a lot last year including working at Enstone in the simulator, so I feel well prepared for this role.

"I’m proud to be part of the team and I’ll be working hard to do everything I can to assist the team in their development of the R.S.17."

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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.