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Rossi concludes Manor stint with tough race

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Alexander Rossi concluded his 2015 five-race F1 internship with Manor in Brazil on Sunday, finishing down in 18th position after spending most of his afternoon battling with team mate Will Stevens.

Rossi had the upper hand over the British driver in the first half of the race but handling issues affecting his Marussia MR03B prevented the young American from keeping his team mate at bay.

"It was a tough race ! My first stint wasn’t so bad, but in the second and third stints the balance was terrible and I was losing so much time with understeer.

"Will getting past was inevitable and I was pretty resigned to that fact. It’s a shame, because the early part of the weekend was stronger for me.

"I would have liked my final F1 round of 2015 to have a better outcome, but I look back at the five races I’ve had since Japan and I’m pretty happy overall. It’s been a totally positive experience and I know I’ve given it everything I’ve got.

"So now we wait and see what the future brings, but I want to thank the team for this incredible opportunity to show what I can do and I hope I’ve done that.”

Team Principal John Booth was equally complimentary of Rossi's residence with Manor which Roberto Mehri will rejoin for the season's finale in Abu Dhabi.

"For Abu Dhabi we have Roberto back in the car and Alex will be focusing on his GP2 team’s championship position, but I’d like to commend him on five very strong races with us and it has been a pleasure to have him around."

REPORT: Rosberg keeps Hamilton at bay to win in Brazil

AS IT HAPPENED: Brazilian Grand Prix

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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.