Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRed Bull Racing

Kvyat relishing return to COTA

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Two years ago, Daniil Kvyat officially became a Grand Prix driver when he was entered as Toro Rosso's third driver in the US GP in Austin, taking part in Friday's free practice session.

Following his maiden season last year with the junior squad, the Russian driver graduated in 2015 to the senior ranks, replacing Sebastian Vettel alongside Daniel Ricciardo.

After a somewhat lackluster first half of the season, the young bull who came in from the cold has been steadily building momentum once again, achieving a 5th place finish in his home race in Sochi.

And as many of his peers, he is looking forward to his return to the Circuit of the Americas and hopes to enjoy another strong weekend of racing.

"I really like racing at COTA, the track is really good," said Kvyat who, like Ricciardo, is still awaiting confirmation of Red Bull's engine plans for next year.

"It has a lot of high-speed corners, heavy braking, long straights, a bit of everything really, so it's great for racing, very enjoyable."

His first race at Austin was a troubled affair however, as he finished last, a full lap down on race winner Lewis Hamilton.

" I would say last year's race was unlucky in that we had really good pace but I had to pit for a vibration with the tyre after overtaking Raikkonen, but I have very positive memories of the circuit and I'll be doing my best."

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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.