Force India goes 'risk on' in Brazil

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With Force India's fourth place in the Constructors' standings now secure, Vijay Mallya has authorized his team to go risk on in Brazil next weekend.

The Silverstone-based outfit put the brakes over the summer on Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon's contentious relationship on the race track.

But the pair of pink panthers will likely be allowed to race at Interlagos on Sunday, while the team itself could also deploy a bold strategy or more risky approach.

"To have confirmed fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship for the second consecutive year is a wonderful achievement," says Mallya.

"I’m incredibly proud of the entire team and delighted we have done so with two races in hand.

Force India switches focus after achieving 2017 objective

"It’s already been our strongest season yet in terms of points scored and we are just 25 shy of the 200 points mark. It shows how consistent we have been all year."

"With fourth place secure, we have the freedom to take a new approach into the remaining races – perhaps by trying some different things or different Friday drivers in the car to see what we can learn for next year.

"We can also be more aggressive with strategies and take more risks. We’re still hungry for strong results and want to end the season on a high note.

"The race in Brazil this week is an opportunity to continue our run of strong performances at the very least."

While the team has put itself out of reach, its drivers are still locked in a battle for P7 in the drivers' standings.

Perez's current tally stands at 93 while Ocon is nine points adrift.

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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.