Father of Renault hopeful Markelov detained in Moscow

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Valery Markelov, the father of Renault development driver Artem Markelov has been arrested and detained in Moscow on bribery charges.

Markelov Snr's troubles come just days after his son's official F1 debut which took place last weekend at Sochi when the 24-year-old F2 racer was entrusted with a run in Friday's FP1 session.

A co-owner of a the 1520 Group involved in the design and construction of railways in Russia, Markelov is accused by the Basmanny Court of Moscow of bribing a government official to the tune of 2 billion rubles (US $30m). He is expected to remain in custody until at least December 1.

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Since its inception, Artem Markelov's career in motorsport has been funded in large part by his father, with logos of the 1520 Group appearing this year on the flanks of the driver's Russian Time F2 car.

In Sochi, Artem Markelov rated his chances of racing in F1 next season at 50/50, admitting to being in discussion with Williams for a seat with the Grove-based outfit.

"I will find out in a month and a half," the young driver said in Russia.

It is not known however what impact his father's affairs will have on his racing ambitions.

With two rounds to go, Markelov is current fifth in the FIA F2 Championship's standings.

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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.