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Despite the rumors, Hartley knows what his contract says

Brendon Hartley sees no point in commenting on the speculation surrounding his future at Toro Rosso, the Kiwi standing by the terms of his contract with the Faenza-based squad.

Reports emerged earlier this week that Toro Rosso had approached McLaren to inquire about the possibility of its junior driver Lando Norris joining the Italian team in place of Hartley on the basis of a loan for the rest of the year.

Toro Rosso was turned down by McLaren however, but the story only underlined Hartley's currently fragile position, the 28-year-old also having to fend off rumors of his demise just before Monaco.

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"It's the second grand prix in a row I've been responding the rumors," Hartley said. "But it's not really interesting for me to comment.

"I know what my contract says. I'm very confident in the work I've been doing behind the scenes with Toro Rosso to develop the car.

"Things didn't really go my way in Monaco qualifying, but I felt pretty strong all weekend. I'm going to take the same approach this weekend.

"Upgrades coming is positive. I'm looking forward to hopefully putting a good weekend in place," he added.

"But I don't think it makes a lot of sense to comment on rumours. There always seems to be rumors in Formula 1.

"Anyway, like I say, I know what my contract says, and I know the work I am doing behind the scenes. I know I have the ability to be here and doing a good job in Formula 1."

Hartley, who was slotted in at Toro Rosso at the end of last year when Daniil Kvyat left the team, has been consistently out-performed this season by team mate Pierre Gasly, scoring just a single point so far in 2018, in Baku, against the Frenchman's 18-point tally.

"I don't have the points on the board, but I know it's possible. I think it's silly for me to comment on rumors, as that's all they are," insisted the former Porsche works driver.

"I haven't actually spoken to Franz [Tost, team boss] yet. To be honest with you, I'm focused on this weekend. It doesn't even make sense to have the conversation."

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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.