Stroll hails 'strong package' with Jackie Chan at Daytona

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Lance Stroll is gearing up for an assault on the Rolex 24 at Daytona this weekend, believing his Jackie Chan LMP2 entry will be one of the "best packages" out there.

The 19-year-old Canadian will be racing at the endurance classic for the second time in his career following his baptism of fire on the Daytona banking with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2015.

Stroll will team-up with Felix Rosenqvist, Robin Frijns and Daniel Juncadella on-board the #37 Jackie Chan DCR Jota Gibson LMP2 contender.

The Williams charger acknowledges the slight performance deficit which separates LMP2 from the DPi class but still believes an outright win is possible after gauging his mount's potential in testing earlier this month.

United Autosports gunning for top-5 finish at Daytona - Brown

"The test was very positive. We didn’t have any problems and we basically ran all the time available during the Roar," Stroll said.

"Performance-wise, I think we are good with a strong balance between all four drivers. It was fun to share the car with my friends and there’s a very good atmosphere inside our team.

"We need to work still on our drivers changes, but I’m really looking forward to this weekend."

Stroll will obviously cross paths with fellow F1 racer Fernando Alonso who will be racing a United Autosports Ligier LMP2.

Like the Spaniard, Stroll appreciates the change of scenery offered by Daytona.

"I’m here because I love motorsport and I like to race in every car and category that I can," he said. said.

"Two years ago I had a lot of fun in my first experience in Daytona and the vibe in this race is really special.

"Of course this year I expect the same and we are here to give our best and try to win the race. Competition will be strong, but I believe we have one of the best packages out there.

“It was a good experience and for sure the LMP2 is very different compared to the DP car I drove in Daytona two years ago.

"For sure the car has a different feeling compared to F1 but I was positively impressed by the amount of downforce and grip that this LMP2 has.

"Visibility to the outside is not great, and that’s something I still need to work on as it will be important to deal with the traffic."

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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.