Rosberg in line for Mercedes Formula E role

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Mercedes could hand reigning F1 champion Nico Rosberg a top management role associated with its future entry into Formula E.

The German manufacturer surprised the world of motorsport earlier this week when it announced its departure from the DTM championship in order to shift part of its focus to the all-electric FE series.

Mercedes took up its entry option into the Formula E and will field its own team in the 2019/2020 season of the series.

And the man anticipated to lead Mercedes' electric efforts is Nico Rosberg, according to Germany's Auto Bild.

The publication said a source "in the Rosberg circle" admitted that Rosberg's involvement in a management capacity is not ruled out.

Mercedes to depart DTM and commit to Formula E!

"Rosberg has already met with series boss Alajandro Agag in Monaco," the publication claimed.

The German could therefore join on the FE grid another F1 world champion, Alain Prost, who is a managing partner in the successful Renault e.dams outfit.

"The involvement of the car manufacturers is a strong message," Prost said ahead of this weekend's Montreal ePrix.

The F1 legend praises the Formula E burgeoning series and casts a positive outlook on its future development, although Prost insists is will never replace F1.

"There is not only no reason to believe that this situation will ever occur, but also no desire," said Prost.

"If Formula E has gained so much credibility, it's partly because the races are in big cities like New York, Paris and now Montreal," the Frenchman added.

"It's also a way to stand out from F1."

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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.