Williams team boss Roberts tests positive for COVID-19!

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Williams acting team principal Simon Roberts has tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of this weekend's Turkey GP and will remain in isolation in the UK for 10 days.

Roberts tested negative last Monday during the team's routine screening but subsequently developed minor symptoms that justified another test before travelling to Istanbul which returned a positive result.

"Williams Racing can confirm that Acting Team Principal Simon Roberts has tested positive for COVID-19 prior to travelling to Istanbul for this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix," said the British team in a statement published late on Wednesday.

"Simon returned a negative test on Monday during the team’s regular COVID testing schedule, however after displaying minor symptoms he underwent a further test this morning which returned a positive result.

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"Simon is feeling otherwise well but will now isolate for the required 10-day period as per UK national guidelines whilst supporting trackside operations remotely this weekend.

"Dave Redding, Team Manager, and Chief Engineer of Vehicle Design, Adam Carter, will assume his responsibilities on the ground in Turkey.

"Simon has not been in close contact with any other members of our race team, and the team will continue to operate trackside as planned.

"As a team, we have been taking part in a robust testing plan alongside adhering to the FIA Covid guidelines."

Last week, the FIA and Formula 1 confirmed that between Friday 30th October and Thursday 5th November, 1781 tests for COVID-19 had been performed on drivers, teams and personnel. Of these, 8 people tested positive.

As usual, no specific details as to teams or individuals was provided by the FIA or Formula 1. Testing results are made public every 7 days.

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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.