Sainz ready to help Renault challenge for sixth

©WRI2

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Carlos Sainz will be a man on a mission for his fourth race with Renault in Abu Dhabi where the Spaniard hopes to help his employer wrestle sixth place in the Constructors' standings.

Sainz is still in the process of settling in with his new team, but the transition from Toro Rosso has been smooth and fruitful up to now.

In a curious twist of irony, Renault is battling Toro Rosso for P6 in the teams' championship, and the Spaniard is precisely the driver who put the Faenza-based outfit in the spot it is thanks to his results earlier this year.

"I left Brazil with a positive mindset as I’m starting to feel at home in the car and we head to Abu Dhabi with confidence and an aim for points," says the 23-year-old in Renault's preview.

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"It’s going to be a tight fight in the championship for sixth, but we are ready for the challenge."

Sainz is a fan of the Abu Dhabi venue and its split atmosphere which sees the race start in the natural light and end under the floodlights.

"I enjoy that this race is at night, I’ve done well under the lights this year so it would be nice to repeat that form, he says.

"The atmosphere is always good in Abu Dhabi as it’s the last race of the year which makes it quite a special event.

"The facilities are incredible there and it’s pretty cool to start the race in sunlight and finish at night time, I like that!"

Given the particular circumstances linked to a mid-season change, Sainz's workload in the past five weeks has likely been its most important since he started his F1 career. But he's diligently taken it all in his stride.

"There’s been a lot to learn but I think we’ve been able to face the challenge in a positive manner.

"It’s been an education for me to come to a manufacturer team, and there’s been a lot to do because of joining mid-season.

"I’m still on a steep learning curve with the car so I hope for another step forward in Abu Dhabi.

"Of course, I want to qualify and finish in the top ten. We’ve definitely had strong positives from every Grand Prix so far and I want to continue that to finish the year with a smile on my face."

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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.