Kubica camp still fighting for Williams drive

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Robert Kubica's father insists his son is still in contention for Williams' coveted second seat alongside Lance Stroll for 2018.

Amid rumors the Grove-based outfit has now set its sights on Sergey Sirotkin, with an announcement coming possibly as early as today, Arthur Kubica says they are pushing hard for the drive.

"We're still fighting to get Robert into Williams," said the father of the 32-year-old driver, speaking to Poland's Sportowe Fakty.

"We hope that it is a good decision for us. And if it is not made before Christmas, it means that at least the people at Williams are taking time to think.

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"We are taking steps to convince them to believe in Robert," he added.

Williams was impressed with Sirotkin's performance at the recent post-season Abu Dhabi test in which Kubica also took part.

But the 22-year-old Russian also enjoys a lavish sponsorship support package rumored to be worth at least 15 million euros, courtesy of his long-time personal backers SMP, and which could prove to be the ultimate deal breaker.

"Of course it is about what the driver will bring to the team," admitted Kubica senior.

"Sometimes, skills, experience and the potential of the driver are decisive, at others only the money counts," admitted Kubica senior.

Sportowe Fakty also claimed Kubica visited Williams' Grove factory on Thursday.

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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.