Sainz's best chance for next year? A move to Red Bull...

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The rumor mill is spinning nicely early in the season with Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo at the center of the attention of paddock pundits.

But Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz is hoping to take advantage of one move in particular, if it occurs, and that's a big 'if'.

The rumour in Barcelona is that Daniel Ricciardo might find his way out of his Red Bull contract for a switch to Ferrari, opening up a plum seat at the senior team.

"Obviously I don't say much but I always think these things in my head and yes, I would love to one day be fighting for victories with a team like Red Bull," said Sainz.

"That is my goal."

Ricciardo hoping to inch closer, but not expecting to win

The Spaniard was approached by Renault last year and it's also understood that Ferrari hold Sainz in high regard.

But his contract with Red Bull calls for him to remain in the bull pen next season, so a move to Milton Keynes appears to be his only viable option.

"For me it's positive if they don't want to let me go because it means they consider me," Sainz told the Spanish newspaper Diario Sport, referring to his bosses Helmut Marko and Christian Horner.

"I prefer not to talk about the future, but it's good to know that my bosses value me," he added.

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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.