Hulkenberg replaces impaired Stroll for Eifel GP!

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For the third time this season, Racing Point has called upon super-sub Nico Hulkenberg to replace one of its drivers on the spot, the German deputizing for an unfit Lance Stroll for the remainder of this weekend's Eifel Grand Prix.

Stroll did not take part in this morning's FP3 session at the Nürburgring, the Canadian feeling under the weather. Racing Point issued a statement on social media in which it said it assess its driver's condition ahead of qualifying.

In the interim, Hulkenberg - the team's official reserve driver - rushed over from nearby Cologne where has was residing, ready to stand in for Stroll.

Racing Point has now made the call and decided to slot in the 33-year-old German for this afternoon's qualifying session.

Read also: Hulkenberg: Accepting reserve role in F1 'makes little sense'

"Nico Hülkenberg will drive for the BWT Racing Point F1 Team in this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix after Lance Stroll was taken unwell," the team said.

"Lance did not feel 100% this morning and the team took the decision not to run him for the rest of the event.

"Nico, who previously deputised for Sergio Perez at the Silverstone events, is familiar with the car and team already, and fortunately was in nearby Cologne."

As a reminder, the Hulk replaced Sergio Perez at Silverstone's double-header earlier this year. A clutch issue prevented Hulkenberg from taking part in the British GP, but a strong performance from the German allowed him to finish P7 in Formula 1's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

This weekend's event will mark Hulkenberg's 179th start in Formula 1, but also a teammate reunion with Perez with whom the German was paired for several seasons at Force India.

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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.