No foray into Super Formula for Pascal Wehrlein

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Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein has abandoned his plans to race in the Japanese Super Formula series in 2018, preferring to remain focus on his DTM commitment.

Wehrlein's career in F1 has been put on the rocks following his inability to secure a drive this year after he was ousted from Sauber's line-up.

However, the 23-year-old has retained the full support of Mercedes which will bring its driver back to the German DTM series which he won in 2015.

Wehrlein will also enjoy a reserve role this season with the Mercedes AMG F1 outfit, sharing duties with junior George Russell.

Wehrlein and Russell win reserve roles at Mercedes

While a foray into Super Formula had been envisaged, Mercedes believed its interests would be better served by keeping its driver focused exclusively on DTM.

"Japan was a possibility until last week," Wehrlein told Motorsport.com.

"It was 10 weekends DTM, at least 10 in F1, and with Japan as well – every weekend to race and be in a different timezone is quite difficult, so we decided together to not do it.

"I was really interested and would have loved to do it. The cars are great and the tracks are really nice. I spoke a lot to Felix [Rosenqvist], because we were teammates a few years ago, and he told me some really nice things about it. He loves it.

"My target this year is just focussing on DTM, and travelling to at least half of the F1 races with Mercedes, and being the reserve driver in case I’m needed.

"If they need a driver, I’m here. Otherwise my main focus is DTM."

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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.