Williams plans a Kubica/di Resta showdown!

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Robert Kubica and Paul di Resta are set to test a 2014 Williams this month to help the team determine who could race alongside Lance Stroll in 2018, according to Motorsport Magazine's Mark Hughes.

Williams planned on giving Kubica a run at Suzuka during one of Stroll's private test, but the young Canadian's father, Lawrence Stroll, who is financing his son's tests, objected to the plan.

Stroll family dashes Kubica's hopes of a Williams test

Williams has resorted to running a second 2014-spec car during a two-day test set to take place at Silverstone in mid-October where Kubica shall be properly assessed.

The Pole will run on day one and Paul di Resta will take over on day two, providing a valuable benchmark by which Williams can evaluate Kubica while also comparing his performance to that of its reserve driver.

Both men have been shortlisted by Williams for 2018, but Felipe Massa, who has expressed his will to race on another year, is still considered for the coveted seat which Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein is also targeting, according to Toto Wolff.

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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.