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Aston Martin consults with ex-Ferrari engine man Marmorini

As it continues to study a potential opportunity to produce an F1 power unit for the future, Aston Martin is consulting with ex-Ferrari and Toyota engineer Luca Marmorini.

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer revealed recently that the luxury car maker had recruited the brainpower and expertise necessary to develop an F1 engine should the sport's future regulation platform prove compelling to such an endeavor.

Palmer's partner of choice would likely be Red Bull Racing, with team boss Christian Horner also open to the idea of working with Aston Martin for which the Milton-Keynes-based team helped develop the company's Valkyrie hypercar.

Aston Martin ramps up F1 expertise with ex-Ferrari staff

Aston Martin has confirmed that Marmorini is among the consultants associated with an eventual F1 engine program.

"Luca Marmorini is helping us on a consultancy basis as we continue to evaluate options for the 2021 power unit," the company said in a statement.

"We have not hired anyone to work full time on this and the power unit remains an area of study for the company, consistent with previous comments and our attendance at the Formula 1 Power Unit Working Group meetings."

The Italian engineer enjoyed almost a ten-year spell with the House of Maranello between 1990 and 1999 before joining Toyota when the Japanese manufacturer entered F1.

He eventually went back to Ferrari in 2009, heading the Scuderia's engine department until 2014.

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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.