Gelael retains tie-up with Toro Rosso for 2018

©WRI2

Sean Gelael, who ran in four Friday practice sessions with Toro Rosso last year, will continue his work with the junior bull outfit.

The 21-year-old son of the owner of the KFC brand in Indonesia finished 15th in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017 and will continue racing in the feeder series this season, with front-runner Prema Racing.

Gelael has also retained his tie-up with Toro Rosso which should see the young hopeful continue his apprenticeship with the Faenza-based squad.

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Working with Toro Rosso completely changed my life," Gelael told Italiaracing.

"This year, I will work with them again. Our goal is to continue what we decided at the tests in Abu Dhabi.

"I hope the season in Formula 2 will be successful and I earn points for my super license, and I get a chance to participate in several Friday practices," he said.

Gelael also voiced his support for friend and Ferrari junior driver Antonio Giovinazzi, who he said is good enough to secure a full-time F1 seat.

"He deserved a place already for this season, so I think if such a driver fails to achieve his goal next year, there is something wrong with the system," he said.

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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.