Bottas hit with grid penalty following gearbox change!

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Valtteri Bottas won't be starting the Japanese Grand Prix on the first two rows on Sunday following a gearbox change at Mercedes which automatically entails a five-spot grid penalty.

The Finn clocked in fifth in the morning's dry free practice session but a problem was later diagnosed with his W08's transmission in the German camp.

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As the unit did not complete the required six consecutive races, its premature replacement necessarily means a grid drop.

Bottas, who has struggled in the past few races on a relative basis compared to team mate Lewis Hamilton, will subsequently start another race on the back foot.

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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.