Latifi back in action in Mexico in FP1

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Williams reserve driver Nicholas Latifi will be back in action with the British outfit in Mexico City this week, the Canadian taking over Robert Kubica's car in Friday's first practice session.

Latifi - who hopes to finish runner-up to Nyck de Vries in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in Abu Dhabi - will enjoy his fourth outing of the season with Williams, having previously been entrusted with the team's FW42 in Canada, France and Belgium.

The 24-year-old hopeful, whose chances of racing for Williams next season appear strong, will also be granted FP1 runs in Austin, right after Mexico, and in Brazil at the penultimate round of the F1 world championship.

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"I’m really excited to get back in the car in Mexico as it feels like a long time since my previous outing at Spa," Latifi said.

"I got the chance to drive in Mexico last year in FP1, so I am familiar with what to expect.

"It’s quite a unique track because of the elevation, so you have a lack of grip, which makes it challenging.

"As always, my goal remains the same for FP1, to have a clean session and help guide the team going into FP2."

Williams senior race engineer Dave Robson says the team will once again trial at Mexico's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez the new front wing it introduced in free practice Japan.

"Having brought a new front wing concept to Suzuka, we will spend time on Friday completing further testing and data gathering," Robson said.

"Nicholas Latifi joins us this weekend for the first of three consecutive FP1 sessions. This weekend he will drive Robert’s car, before taking over George’s car in Austin.

"Nicholas has done an extremely good job each time he has driven the car this season and we look forward to welcoming him back and getting his impression of the latest upgrades."

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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.