Latifi raring to hit the track with Williams in Montreal

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Williams reserve driver Nicholas Latifi will enjoy his first FP1 outing of the season in Montreal, and the Canadian is boosted by the prospect of running in front of his home crowd.

Latifi's maiden Friday session with Williams follows his two days of in-season testing last month with the British team at Barcelona and an earlier run in April at Bahrain.

"I’m really excited to take part in my first FP1 session with the team," said the current leader of the FIA Formula 2 championship.

"The fact that it’s at my home GP will definitely add an extra bit of excitement but nonetheless the goal still remains the same.

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"I want to do a good job for the team and give them the feedback they need to guide them going into FP2.

"I feel really well prepared after the three days of in-season testing I have had, along with all the work I have conducted at the factory this year, I can’t wait to hit the track!"

Williams' senior race engineer Dave Robson explained Latifi's mission in this Friday's opening free practice session in which he will run onboard Robert Kubica's FW42.

"Following his successful testing appearances in Bahrain and Barcelona, our reserve driver Nicholas Latifi will drive Robert’s car during FP1," said Robson.

"This is Nicholas’s home race and we look forward to some strong local support on Friday.

"Nicholas will be involved fully in our race preparations, and alongside George will conduct some important testing of new components during FP1.

"For FP2 onwards Robert will return to the track and refamiliarise himself with the circuit which played host to his maiden Formula One victory in 2008."

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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.