Vettel untroubled by Kvyat and Giovinazzi exits from Ferrari sim roles

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Sebastian Vettel is unconcerned by the departures of Daniil Kvyat and Antonio Giovinazzi from their simulator roles at Ferrari, confident the Scuderia will find a suitable replacement.

Kvyat and Giovinazzi undertook extensive simulator work at Maranello last year as they contributed to the development and set-up of Ferrari's SF71-H, a task for which Vettel praised both drivers.

However, with Kvyat heading back to Toro Rosso and Giovinazzi awarded a race seat at Sauber, the Scuderia finds itself short of a simulator and development driver, a role that was offered to Robert Kubica before the Pole committed to a race seat at Williams for 2019.

Kubica admits Ferrari development role 'not easy' to turn down

Contracted Ferrari test drivers Marc Gene and Davide Rigon could occasionally be called upon for simulator work but the Scuderia will likely require someone dedicated to the role in the future.

"Personally, I’m not a fan of the simulator because it’s just not fun," said Vettel.

"But you get the point, it is very important, it is an important tool. Based on our findings, we change the car, it is better and we were happier.

"We’re extremely thankful for the guys, taking in the time because it’s not the nicest job on Friday night, especially when you’re young, but it’s important, it all adds up.

"Everybody plays his part and in the end we have the honour to have the steering wheel in our hands and drive the machine that we all try to create and reach out with performance.

"For 2019, it’s true, we take a step but I think we will find people that fit in very well and very quickly so I’m confident we will have a strong team on that front as well."

Ferrari could rely on a member of its junior academy for simulator duties, or perhaps reach out to Sergey Sirotkin following the Russian's eviction from Williams as a result of Kubica's nomination.

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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.