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Carlos Sainz Sr. expecting a 'step forward' for his son in 2018

Carlos Sainz Sr. is expecting his son to take a step forward this year in F1 based on the package Renault will be putting on the track in 2018.

Sainz Jr. left Toro Rosso in late 2017 for an early entry into the Renault team after Red Bull agreed to loan the Spaniard to the French outfit for a year.

Renault pulled the covers off its new R.S.18 earlier this week and Sainz Sr. is confident his son will have a competitive package at his disposal in 2018.

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"He is preparing for the season with a lot of enthusiasm," 55-year-old Sainz told EFE news agency.

"The tests start next week, the Renault was presented this week, he's very excited and those of us who are with him are too," the two-time rally champion added.

"From what he says, he is confident that they will take a step forward," Sainz said.

The 23-year-old says he has settled in well with the Renault team since his four outings with the squad late last year.

"I have the impression of building a team around me," Sainz told L'Equipe.

"We have a good chance of doing great things together. The goal is to get closer to the best teams, but it's impossible to say exactly where we will be.

"We're not thinking so much in terms of championship position but rather pure performance," said Sainz.

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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.