Massa doubts relevancy of di Resta/Kubica test

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Felipe Massa doubts Williams will be able to draw any real conclusions from running Paul di Resta and Robert Kubica in a 2014-spec car.

As it ponders its driver options for next season, Williams plans to run both di Resta and Kubica next week at Silverstone in a 2014 chassis normally used by Lance Stroll during his private test program.

Williams is eager to evaluate both drivers at the two-day test, but Massa - who is still under consideration for a Williams drive in 2018 - doubts a run in the four-year-old car will lead to any useful information.

"I think it doesn't change anything for me," said the Brazilian during Thursdsay's media conference in Japan.

"Williams know 100 percent what I can give for the team and even if you do a test with cars that are four years before, they are completely different. You cannot evaluate too much."

Williams plans a Kubica/di Resta showdown!

The 36-year-old has expressed his will to remain on board with the Grove-based outfit for 2018, but admits his fate is out of his hands.

"I am enjoying doing the best I can in the last races this year, and I don't know what is going to happen next year," said Massa.

"I am quite keen to do another season. I think I can do it in a great way, I think I can give a lot to the team like I did already.

"But I don't decide, the team decides. I have given a lot to the team, and F1 as well, and if people are happy I will stay."

While the team hasn't set a firm date by which it will announce who will partner Lance Stroll next season, Massa hopes it all unfolds before his home race in Brazil.

"We don't have a deadline," he said.

"Definitely I think it will be good for the team, and also for myself, if we know what is going to happen before the race in Brazil.

"We'll see if that is possible, but we hope so."

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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.