Kubica tables $7m offer to Williams, for seven races!

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Robert Kubica has reportedly offered Williams $7 million for its second seat alongside Lance Stroll next season, but on a seven-race trial basis.

The Grove-based outfit appears to have set its sights on Sergey Sirotking, a surprise contender for its coveted drive who came out of the blue following his impressive performance at the Abu Dhabi post-season test last month.

The Russian is rumored to be backed by a generous sponsorship package from Russian bank SMP, valued at twice the amount available to Kubica.

Sirotkin's backers pushing hard for Williams seat

But Alessandro Alunni Bravi and Nico Rosberg, the Polish driver's managers, are attempting to sway Williams' decision in favour of their driver by offering $7 million to the British team for the first seven races of 2018.

"If he does not convince Williams (during the 7 races), Sirotkin will replace the Pole," reports Finnish broadcaster MTV.

Williams is reportedly "seriously considering" the Kubica proposal, which is why the team postponed its 2018 driver line-up announcement until after the new year.

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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.