Rich Energy boss answers 'risible and nonsense rumors'

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Doubting the legitimacy of Rich Energy is like denying that "man walked on the moon" says the company's boss William Storey.

The Haas US outfit unveiled its 2019 car and new colors on Thursday, the sleek black and gold racer taking its motif from the team's sponsor Rich Energy.

Since Haas announced its deal with the elusive energy drink company, pundits have expressed doubts about Rich Energy's credibility, especially given that its product is such a rare sight.

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner said last year that the outfit had conducted its due diligence on its partner, and recently stated that a first installment had been well received by Haas.

Launch Gallery: Haas 2019 VF-19

Rich Energy's Storey claims the company's "detractors are obviously not on the same planet as you and me".

"I think a lot of people have put two and two together and got five," he told Motorsport.com.

"I’ve heard these nonsense rumours, whatever, and it’s just completely risible. I just ignore it.

"Ultimately we’ve just produced 90 million cans. As far as I’m concerned anyone who says it doesn’t exist, it’s like saying man never walked on the moon, or Elvis is still alive. It’s just fantasy."

The eccentric William 'tells-a-good' Storey says his company's foray into Formula 1 is to lift its profile, a fair explanation for a product that is nowhere to be seen, an absence apparently justified by its "exclusive" nature according to its promoter.

"Actions speak louder than words,” added Storey. "At the end of the day when the tide goes out we see who is swimming naked, don’t we?

"Ultimately, I was very consistent from day one. Everything I’ve said has been the case. It’s interesting that all these so-called detractors have never met me and actually don’t know us at all.

"It’s speculation based on no information. Everyone who actually knew us and knew what was going on knew what we were about. All our detractors were not in possession of the facts.

"We think we’ve got a better product and brand than Red Bull and it’s fantastic to be able to compete with them on and off track."

Oh boy, how long will it take for that bold claim to come back and haunt its author?

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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.