Mallaya banks on new rules to keep drivers in check

Force India boss Vijay Mallya has reluctantly imposed team orders on the team's drivers, hoping they will lead to a productive and uneventful Italian Grand Prix.

After their controversial on-track spat in Spa, Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon will both be on probation next weekend, having been stripped of their freedom to fight each other by the boss.

"I have been very happy with our overall performance during the 2017 season with both drivers scoring points for the team and racing freely," said Vijay Mallya after Spa.

"However, as much as I support competitive racing, the repeated incidents between both our cars are now becoming very concerning.

"Under these circumstances I have no choice but to implement a policy of team orders in the interest of safety and to protect the team’s position in the constructors’ championship."

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Thanks to new rules of engagement, Mallya is now hoping for a productive showing in Italy, and one without any controversy.

"It’s hard to look back on the race at Spa, knowing we had the pace to score a lot of points, and came away with only two," Mallya says.

"At least we are back on track this weekend and we get an immediate chance to put the disappointment behind us.

"Monza is another quick track on which we expect to do well: like in Baku and Montreal, the layout of the track should play to our strengths.

"At this stage of the season, it’s crucial we make the most of every opportunity to score points. We have made both drivers aware of the new team policy designed to prevent incidents like the ones in Spa from reoccurring.

"As a team, we have a responsibility to defend our position and I am sure we will finish the season without any further issues.

"We have been competitive on every track so far and we intend to continue our strong season with another good performance in Monza"

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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.