Chassis change puts Massa on the sidelines

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Felipe Massa's crash in FP1 this morning at Spa has forced Williams into a chassis, resulting in the Brazilian likely sitting out this afternoon's session.

Massa lost the rear end of his FW40 on the exit of Malmedy and veered straight on into the safety barriers, inflicting severe damage to the cars' left front end.

A diagnosis of the damage when the Williams was brought back decided the team to build up the spare chassis, a painstaking which may not be completed in time for Massa run in FP2.

Massa was returning to action after missing the Hungarian Grand Prix three weeks ago where he fell ill and relinquished his seat to Williams reserve drive Paul di Resta.

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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.