Williams determined to 'shake off the dust and move forward'

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Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams can't deny her good family genes as she faces her team's struggles armed with her father's legendary grit and fortitude.

The Grove-based outfit is in the doldrums this season, hampered by its problematic FW41 and a duo of talented but inexperienced drivers.

To complicate matters, Claire Williams' new motherhood has compelled the 41-year-old to endure a juggling act between her family and professional responsibilities.

"It's difficult, but I'm not the first mother to hold an important position and those who preceded me did well," Williams told Canada's La Presse.

"It's mostly a question of organisation and time management."

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Still, her sporting priority of leading Williams out of a dark tunnel hasn't been made any easier.

"It's the way you react to a situation that makes the difference," she said.

"It's not going well? You shake off the dust and move forward, preparing for the next race, the next season. We will fight. Be sure of that."

Williams partner and technical director Paddy Lowe has initiated an extrication plan, one step of which was to part with two of his deputies in the design office, Ed wood and Dirk de Beer.

Claire Williams insists the British squad is working diligently to steer itself back in the right direction.

"We have a very clear plan of what to fix," she said.

"Some changes will be made quickly, others will take longer. But we know where we are going and I can assure you that our ambitions remain very high."

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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.