Auer's F1 hopes still intact after Force India decision

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DTM racer Lucas Auer believes Force India's decision to keep its driver line-up unchanged for 2018 won't impact his immediate future.

The nephew of Gerhard Berger, who is currently second in the hard-fought German DTM title battle, was handed a test with the Silverstone-based outfit in Hungary last month thanks to common sponsor BWT.

While the young Austrian acquitted himself well, he was never really considered for a race seat with Force India for 2018, so the team's predictable decision to keep Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon on board changes doesn't impact Auer's prospects.

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"The test was a huge trust in me and I am still in contact, but my focus is on the DTM," the 23-year-old told Servus TV.

Gerhard Berger has been impressed by his nephew's performance this year and says his chances of one day racing in Formula 1 remain intact.

"Luki still has chances," said the former Ferrari driver who is also chairman of the DTM series.

"Force India has an eye on him. You can already see that because he was invited to the test without my help -- he really worked it out for himself.

"He has a very good chance of winning the DTM (title)," added Berger.

"And with his test, he has shown that coming into Formula 1 is absolutely realistic."

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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.