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Racing in US GP is a dream come true for Rossi

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This weekend, Alexander Rossi will become the first American to race in the US Grand Prix since Scott Speed at Indianapolis in 2007.

The 24-year-old from California will return to the Manor cockpit in place once again of Roberto Mehri to run in his third Grand Prix this year after racing in Singapore and Japan.

Needles to say, Rossi will be looking to give it his best on home soil, not only as a proud American driver but as a contender for a full-time race seat with the Manor in 2016.

“I can’t adequately describe how excited I am about competing in my home Grand Prix for the first time," Rossi said.

" Thankfully, I’ve been so busy with a whole bunch of PR commitments that I’ve been able to keep that side of it in check, but now we’re just a few days out, the reality is starting to hit me and it feels great."

"It’s a huge deal for me, not only because it makes me extremely proud to be the first American driver to race on US soil since 2007, but also because it’s the realisation of a goal that I, and the people around me, have been working towards for effectively 13 years."

"This weekend is an opportunity to reward their support and commitment as much as my own determination as a race car driver, and I’ll be giving it my all."

Booth warns Manor of 2016 task

Rossi's deal with the British squad will see him race in the four remaining rounds apart from Abu Dhabi where he will resume and end his 2015 GP2 campaign. And just like in Singapore and Suzuka, his first objective will be to get the upper hand over his team mate Will Stevens.

"After a race off due to my GP2 schedule, I’m looking forward to picking up where I left off at Suzuka and enjoying a good fight with Will."

“Circuit of The Americas is an awesome track. I’ve driven it before and it’s a real mix of some of the best circuits in the world. It’s pretty fast and the frequent elevation changes make it spectacular for racing and spectating."

"There’s going to be an amazing vibe, from the fans and having my family and friends in the crowd, so I really can’t wait til we start turning wheels on Friday.”

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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.