Renault improvement in 2018 will help attract leading name - Prost

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Renault Ambassador and adviser Alain Prost says the French outfit s targeting improved performance next season order to attract a leading name to the team in 2019.

Renault has added Carlos Sainz to its driver line-up for next year, with the highly rated Spaniard racing alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

But Sainz will remain under the management of Red Bull as part of the drivers' deal to leave Toro Rosso, and could be called back into the bull pen if he results warrant a return.

Sainz: 'Red Bull dealt with my situation perfectly'

Furthermore, several high-profile drivers could find themselves as free agents at the end of 2018, the likes of which include Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez.

"The driver market is important and we are in position for the end of 2018 when it is a little bit open for discussion," Prost told Sky F1.

"At the end of 2018 there are a lot of drivers without contracts. We want to be better as a team, next year we will prove we are better than we are now and we want to be in the key market."

"We have Carlos next year but he is remaining in the Red Bull family. But if he performs well and wants to stay we will find a solution," he said.

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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.