Ferrari mulls handing development role to Wehrlein

Reports from Italy are claiming that Ferrari could recruit former Mercedes driver Pascal Wehrlein to fulfill a development role at Maranello, possibly alongside Robert Kubica.

According to Motorsport.com Italy, both men are on the Scuderia's shortlist as replacements for F1 returnee Daniil Kvyat who handled simulator work for Ferrari this year.

However, Wehrlein's duties could extend to a reserve role with Sauber, the German possibly standing in for Kimi Raikkonen or Antonio Giovinazzi if necessary.

Kubica still lured to the prospect of wearing 'red overalls'

The 24-year-old, who was released by Mercedes last month, has a deal to race with Mahindra in Formula E for the electric series' 2018-19 season, but his schedule would still allow for an involvement in F1 on race weekends.

Ferrari would perhaps welcome the valuable experience of a driver who knows inside-out the inner-workings of its rival Mercedes given the massive time spent by Wehrlein in the team's simulator in Brackley and also his on-track knowledge.

While Ferrari could opt for a tandem of simulator drivers with Kubica and Wehrlein, neither man would have the opportunity to race with the Scuderia in 2019 as Antonio Giovinazzi will remain the squad's official reserve driver.

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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.