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Project Pitlane: UK F1 teams unite to fight COVID-19

Formula 1's seven UK-based F1 teams have come together to help with the manufacture of respiratory devices required to treat Britain's COVID-19 patients.

The united effort, called Project Pitlane, is a direct response to the UK Government's call for assistance with the supply of the crucial and life-saving medical devices.

Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Renault, Racing Point, Haas and Williams - the seven F1 teams based in the UK - are pooling together their engineering resources to help deal with the country's ventilator shortage.

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The collective effort is focused on three specific areas, according to a statement released on Friday by F1.

"These workstreams vary in scope from reverse engineering existing medical devices, to support in scaling the production of existing ventilator designs as part of the VentilatorChallengeUK consortium, to the rapid design and prototype manufacture of a new device for certification and subsequent production," read the release.

"In each instance, Project Pitlane will pool the resources and capabilities of its member teams to greatest effect, focusing on the core skills of the F1 industry: rapid design, prototype manufacture, test and skilled assembly. F1’s unique ability to rapidly respond to engineering and technological challenges allows the group to add value to the wider engineering industry’s response.

"The focus of Project Pitlane will now be on coordinating and answering the clear challenges that have been set. The seven teams remain ready to support in other areas requiring rapid, innovative technology responses to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic."

So far, the UK has identified more than 14,500 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease, while the country's death toll currently sits at 759 people.

On Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he had tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating in Downing Street.

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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.