SMP Racing aims for Sirotkin-Kvyat line-up at Le Mans

©WRI2

SMP Racing founder Boris Rotenberg wants to see Daniil Kvyat join his SMP LMP2 squad at Le Mans this year.

The 23-year-old Russian who departed the Red Bull family at the end of last year will be Scuderia Ferrari's reserve and development driver in 2018.

But Rotenberg would also like to see Kvyat behind the wheel of SMP's Le Mans entry in June, and preferably alongside protégé and new Williams recruit Sergey Sirotkin.

Sirotkin won seat with 'flawless' test, says Williams CEO

"I do not know how busy he will be at Ferrari," the billionaire told Russia's Sport FM, "but I would be glad to see him (Kvyat) in our team."

Sirotkin doesn't have any current plans to race in the 24-hour classic, although he will test SMP Racing's LMP2 charger.

"I will take part in the development of the BR1 prototype, but as for the 24 hours, not everything depends on me.

"It's very interesting to me, but my priority is F1," Sirotkin insisted.

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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.