Smooth weekend in Brazil could yield points - Hartley

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Toro Rosso rookie Brendon Hartley believes a run in the points is possible next weekend in Brazil, if he's spared the drama which befell him in Mexico.

Fresh from his WEC drivers' title achieved in China on Sunday, Hartley heads to his third F1 outing after his baptism of fire in Austin and a race in Mexico which ended prematurely after a power unit failure.

"I'm very happy to be heading to Brazil with Toro Rosso," said Hartley who, along with Pierre Gasly, has been confirmed at the Faenza-based outfit until teh end of the season.

"With the help of the team I made big progress in Mexico and I'm confident that, with a little bit more luck than last time out, we can fight for points.

Hartley and team mates seal WEC drivers' crown

"I'm starting to feel at home in the F1 paddock and São Paulo is a track I enjoyed and know quite well from when I raced there back in 2014 for the final round of the WEC.

"So, all in all, I definitely look forward to my third race weekend in Formula 1, and what will be my fifth race weekend in a row (including WEC)."

Interlagos will be a first for team mate Gasly, who believes a bout of wet Brazilian weather could enhance his and Toro Rosso's chances.

"I'm so excited to be racing in Brazil this week," said Gasly.

"It will be my first time driving in São Paulo, it's such a mythical track... even though I wasn't born, one of my favourite races was when Ayrton Senna won in 1991.

"The weather can be sometimes tricky and I remember many race weekends happening under rain. In terms of performance it will be better for us. I really like wet conditions as well.

"I think the rain would be good for us to spice things up – if it rains, anything can happen."

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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.