Marchionne confirms probable 2018 Ferrari driver lineup

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Ferrari has yet to announce its driver line-up for 2018, but Sergio Marchionne's comments in Hungary point once again to Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen remaining at Maranello.

Reports out of Italy suggested that a condition for Vettel staying with the Scuderia next season s the resigning of his Finnish team mate.

This has apparently been accepted by the Italian squad and a formal announcement is expected at the team's home race at Monza in September.

"It is more than 50 per cent probable," said Marchionne who was present yesterday in Hungary.

"They are great together so it would be a risk to change the game now. Let's see if we can keep them for 2018. I think they want to stay," he added.

"We should be able to announce our drivers at Monza. Nothing is signed yet but we are talking to the drivers and the agreement may be close."

Vettel 'had his hands full' in Hungary with steering issue

Both Marchionne and team boss Maurizio Arrivabene praised Raikkonen for team role in yesterday's race as the Finn acted as a buffer between Vettel and the pursuing Mercedes duo behind.

"He was great. We are a single team at Maranello, all working together," Marchionne said.

"Do not forget that he is the last Ferrari world champion and today he showed that," added Arrivabene.

"Only a champion like him could defend his teammate like a Viking, with no tricks and no deception."

Commenting on rumors that Vettel may have signed a 'pre-agreement' with Mercedes, Marchionne appeared unconcerned by the prospect.

"If he does not want to stay, then we will find a different solution and life goes on, because this is Ferrari," said the Italian-Canadian executive.

"But if I look at Sebastian, then in a lot of ways he is already more Italian than many of us!"

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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.