F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo still hoping to avoid a grid drop in Montreal

Daniel Ricciardo is keeping his fingers crossed he'll be spared a painful grid penalty for Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix despite Adrian Newey's view to the contrary.

Earlier this week, it emerged that Renault could possibly salvage the MGU-K component that failed on the Aussie in the Principality, almost wreaking havoc on his victorious run to the checkered flag.

But Red Bull tech boss Adrian Newey later insisted the part was a "burnt out, charred wreck" after the race and would thus need to be replaced.

Ricciardo is hopeful however that Renault will be able to substitute the part with the one previously used this season as drivers are allowed just two MGU-Ks for the entire season before a 10-place grid penalty kicks in.

"We’re hoping that what we start with tomorrow will run all weekend and if that’s the case, then no penalties," said Ricciardo.

"I guess there was a little bit of miscommunication (earlier in the week). I would much rather take the penalties elsewhere.

"We’ve got good momentum right now and it’s a circuit where it’s tricky to overtake so you don’t want to be starting 10th or 15th, or somewhere down there. We’ll try and survive this weekend."

Given a choice, Ricciardo would rather take a grid drop at the championship's next round, at the Circuit de Castellet in France.

"It could come as soon as Paul Ricard," he said.

"When I heard whispers about a potential penalty here, at that point I was like ‘I’ll take it in Paul Ricard but not here’."

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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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