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Kubica presence not adding pressure to Sirotkin's race seat

Williams rookie Sergey Sirotkin says Robert Kubica's testing role with the team has not added any extra pressure to his race seat with the Grove-based outfit.

The 22-year-old Russian was chosen over the Pole as Lance Stroll's team mate for 2018.

Kubica however has been handed a testing and development role with the British squad, something he put to good use last week in Barcelona where he delivered a good performance on the third day of testing.

Sirotkin values Kubica's contribution, and insists he enjoys a good working relationship with the 33-year-old whose presence at Williams is not adding any additional pressure to the young apprentice's job.

"I never felt it as pressure," said Sirotkin last week.

"There is a lot of pressure here, but it doesn’t matter from which driver.

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"If I wasn’t ready I wouldn’t have expected it and I wouldn’t be here. First of all I have quite a good relationship with Robert, so there is no pressure or anything, just a nice working relationship.

"Of course he has great experience which we are all trying to share. To be honest I am quite happy with things between myself, Lance and Robert, how the relationship goes and how we are working together."

As he learns the ropes of Formula 1, Sirotkin admits he focused on the job at hand in winter testing, keeping a low profile and out of trouble.

"I need to do the best I can do. I’m sure if I squeeze the best from myself, that’s exactly what I want to do," added the Russian.

"I know where my level is, I know where my limitation is, and I’m sure if I do my best, it’s exactly what the team needs and it’s exactly what I want - not to exaggerate, not to over-impress or jump over my head or to do something extraordinary.

"I need to do the job I need to do and I know how to do. I believe it's enough."

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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.