Force India hands Latifi third FP1 outing in Sochi

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Force India development driver Nicholas Latifi will get another chance to show his F1 skills next week when he takes part with the pink squad in the Russian Grand Prix's opening free practice session in Sochi.

Latifi was entrusted with a run in Force India's car on home ground, in Montreal, and then again at Hockenheim. In Russia, the Canadian's third outing will be to the detriment of Sergio Perez.

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"It’s important to keep learning and building on my F1 experience," said Latifi, who currently races with DAMS in the FIA F2 Championship.

"This will be my third FP1, and with each one I’m getting more and more comfortable in the car.

"My main goal is to do a good job for the team – to bring the car back in one piece with good data and feedback after some quality running," added the 23-year-old.

"I have been to Sochi only once before, back in 2015, but it’s important I build the speed as quickly as possible. What we do in that session is going to directly influence the race weekend."

Latifi should be joined in Friday's free practice session by fellow F2 racer and Renault development driver Artem Markelov who will be running with the French team.

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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.