Hydraulic leak crushes Palmer's home race hopes

Jolyon Palmer just can't catch a break, the Renault driver taken out of today's British Grand Prix even before the race started.

Palmer was at the end of his formation lap when he reported an issue with his breaks, complaining of a long pedal.

The trouble was a symptom of a much bigger problem unfortunately with the team diagnosing a major hydraulic leak and ordering the Brit to permanently park the car.

"I'm pretty gutted," predictably said a defeated Palmer.

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"The crowd have been great, I've been appreciating the great atmosphere all weekend. So It's really disappointing not to start.

"It was a hydraulic leak, there was no warning of it."

Palmer has been fighting an uphill battle all season, against himself as well as against reliability issues as he tries to hold on to a Renault drive which he is expected to lose at the end of the year.

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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.