Williams set to deliver big reveal on Friday

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Williams is set to reveal the identity of Lance Stroll's 2018 team mate this Friday, with Sergey Sirotkin rumored to be the Grove-based outfit's choice.

In the latter part of the 2017 season, after Williams confirmed that Felipe Massa's departure from the team, Robert Kubica and Paul di Resta emerged as the most likely contenders for the seat.

But Sirotkin suddenly sprung on to the scene after his performance with Williams at the recent post-season Abu Dhabi tyre test.

In addition to his talent, the 22-year-old also apparently carries a $15 million 'support package', courtesy of his personal backers SMP, which makes his candidature all that more compelling for the British outfit

A trump card and good performance puts Sirotkin in the lead at Williams!

Russia's Tass news agency is now reporting that Williams will end the long period of speculation by making an announcement on Friday, 15 December.

"All Russian fans of motor sport hope very much to hear confirmation about Sirotkin and Williams in the very near future," said Russian motor racing federation chief Igor Yermilin.

"As far as I understand, talks are proceeding and the management of Sergey and SMP Racing are working hard," he told Sportbox.

With Kubica now out of the frame, Daniil Kvyat has apparently been penciled in as Williams' 'plan B' should talks with Sirotkin fall apart.

"Ideally we would like to see both Russians in the team, but unfortunately that is unrealistic," said Yermilin.

"In any case, both are worthy of being race drivers for Williams or other teams."

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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.