'Half the paddock dreams of Kvyat's new job', says former driver

Daniil Kvyat

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A man who was the first Russian to test an F1 car hails Dany Kvyat's new job as development driver for Ferrari, saying it is one "half the paddock would dream of having".

We'll forgive you if you've never heard of Sergey Zlobin, or don't remember him. The 47-year-old obscure Russian vaguely competed in F3000 fifteen years ago before he was handed a role as test driver for Minardi in 2002.

Ferrari signs Daniil Kvyat as development driver!

A somewhat dubious character, close to the Rotenberg brothers of SMP Bank fame, Zlobin actually survived a car bomb which had been planted in his Mercedes back in 2007, but that's neither here nor there...

Zlobin says those who believe Kvyat's new job with the Scuderia is the final nail in the 23-year-old driver's coffin are wrong and expressing an "incomprehensible stereotype".

"In fact, Kvyat has received a good and highly paid job," Zlobin told Sportbox.

"Yes, he will be seen less on TV, but he becomes a member of this elite team and if one of the Ferrari drivers has problems, he will get the chance to race.

"I would say half the paddock dreams of such a job," he added.

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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.