Kubica nearing decision on Manor LMP1 WEC opportunity

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Robert Kubica will likely know a lot more at the end of this week about his potential involvement with Manor's World Endurance Championship programme.

Williams' reserve driver was offered an opportunity to gauge the British team's Ginetta-Mecachrome G60-LT-P1 last month at Aragon, but engine troubles early on at the test prevented the Pole from properly evaluation the LMP1 car.

A second test at the Spanish venue this week will likely yield the information Kubica's requires to reach a decision regarding his participation with Manor in the WEC.

Kubica 'understands FW41's strengths and weaknesses'

"From one side for sure I would like to be involved in a good project in LMP1, which would give me a chance to do a lot of kilometres," the 33-year-old told Motorsport.com while testing for Williams in Barcelona last week.

"I just have to drive, and let’s see. Until I spend a few laps behind the wheel, I cannot make my mind up.

"But it’s not only a question about making my mind up, it’s a question of if it fits into a busy calendar I have. There are a few factors, which have to fit together," he added.

"It’s not as simple as yes or not, it’s just a bit more complicated, as always."

Manor has already contracted Williams development driver Oliver Rowland and Charlie Robertson to the squad, and team boss Graeme Lowdon is hoping to finalise the team's full line-up in the next few weeks.

"The ideal scenario is that we will have everything wrapped up before the Prologue [WEC pre-season test at Paul Ricard] in early April," he told Motorsport.com.

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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.