Sainz gets a 'spectacular' reception at Enstone

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Before jetting off to Austin for his first race with his new team, Carlos Sainz stopped by Renault's Enstone base for a formal introduction and a warm reception.

After almost three years with Toro Rosso, Sainz steps up to a factory outfit for the remainder of the year and for 2018.

The Spaniard's move to Renault was in the works for many months but its confirmation will hopefully provide the 23-year-old with an opportunity to move up the grid and boost his career.

Sainz ready to hit the ground running in Austin!

His first duty was to meet his new crew in Enstone, and according to his cousin and manager Carlos Elnoro, it was a 'spectacular' entry.

"The atmosphere was very good and people were very happy to see Carlos, because it was known for some time that he was going to come to the team," he told El Confidencial.

"His arrival is a stimulus for the team before the last races of a long season," Elnoro added.

But Sainz himself was also impressed with what he saw in Enstone.

"The extension at the factory is still under construction but there are already 640 people working there," he said.

"The facilities give an impression of Renault's commitment to be back at the top in Formula 1. It's another world compared to Toro Rosso," Sainz added.

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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.