F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Questions about Kubica 'not worthy of an answer' - Lowe

Paddy Lowe has dismissed allegations that Robert Kubica proved faster than Williams' regular drivers in pre-season testing in Barcelona, calling into question their race seats with the British team.

As the Grove-based outfit prepared for the new season along with its rivals at the Circuit de Catalunya last week, many eyes were on Kubica to see how the team's reserve driver would perform compared to Lance Stroll and new recruit Sergey Sirotkin behind the wheel of the team's new FW41.

After the 33-year-old's flawless contribution to Williams' test programmes, and the demonstration of his speed, speculation emerged that the Pole would be moving up to the race team sooner rather than later.

Lowe quickly rubbished the rumors however, and the question they brought to the fore.

"I don't want to answer that question", quipped the Williams engineer.

"I find that it's simply not worthy of an answer," he said.

The team is committed to its line-up, as inexperienced and youthful as it may be, with Lowe hailing the intelligence of newcomer Sirotkin, who will be a better benchmark for the teenager Stroll, according to the Williams technical director and partner.

"Lance is still very young but already on a completely different level to twelve months ago," said Lowe who says Sirotkin's arrival puts Stroll's place "in a different context".

"It was almost too difficult for him to think 'My job is to be as strong as Felipe (Massa)'," Lowe added.

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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.

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