Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsWilliams

Bottas edges out Vettel, pleased with P3

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Valtteri Bottas will line up his Williams Martini Racing on the second row of tomorrow's Russian Grand Prix following a clean run to third in qualifying.

As consistent as usual, Bottas appeared under threat from Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari in the closing stages of Q3 but the Finn just managed to edge out the German with a 0.053s advantage when the checkered flag came out.

While Bottas conquered his second third place spot on the grid in succession, he also matched his result of last year in Sochi and feels he currently has the measure of Ferrari for tomorrow's race.

"I think we were quite competitive today, and to be third is a good place to start here," Bottas said.

"It's obviously been a tricky weekend for everyone but I think we really managed to use FP3, or at least part of it, pretty well. I'm pleased with the laps and the work we did as a team."

It was anticipated that both Williams would give Ferrari a run for their money, but Felipe Massa, following traffic and a rear tyre degradation issue, failed to make it into Q3, ending up a distant 15th.

AS IT HAPPENED: Russian Grand Prix qualifying

Gallery: Carlos Sainz's crash in FP3

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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.