Rosberg to help Kubica with F1 comeback bid!

Reigning world champion Nico Rosberg is lending Robert Kubica a helping hand as he joins the Pole's management team and supports his F1 comeback bid.

Kubica's F1 career ground to a halt in 2011 after he was seriously injured in a rally accident.

But the former Renault driver revived his F1 aspirations earlier this year and ramped up his preparations by gradually returning single-seater driving.

A promising test in Valencia with a 2012-sepc Lotus was followed by another at Paul Ricard before Renault entrusted Kubica with a full-blown run in a 2017 car at this summer's in-season test in Hungary.

While Kubica and his manager, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, had hopes of eventually landing a drive with the Renault works team for 2018, events of late and the hiring of Carlos Sainz have quashed that prospect.

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But Bravi is still hopeful of seeing his protégé on the grid next season and has just enrolled Nico Rosberg to help him achieve that feat.

"It’s fantastic to be working on this with Nico," Bravi told Motorsport.com.

"We know each other since we were kids and he is, and will be, a great asset in my F1 comeback."

Rosberg was equally delighted to lend his support to his old friend's endeavor.

"Robert and Lewis are the fastest I ever raced against. Therefore, I am thrilled to join forces with Robert on his journey back to racing in Formula 1," said the German.

Despite all the support sent his way, Kubica's options for next season appear limited. There is an opening at Williams however, although it remains to be seen if Sir Frank would be bold enough to take on the Pole whose physical ability to endure a full race distance is still uncertain.

Sainz's departure from Toro Rosso also provides a potential opportunity for a drive, although the purpose of the Faenza-based outfit is to serve as a breeding ground for Red Bull's young talent.

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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.