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Pirelli F1 boss Isola tests positive for COVID-19

Formula 1's favourite tyre man - Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola - has tested positive for the coronavirus, but the Italian is currently asymptomatic although in isolation.

A statement from Pirelli said Isola had teste positive on Sunday at Istanbul Park.

"The FIA, Formula 1 and Pirelli can confirm that Pirelli Head of F1 and Car Racing Mario Isola has tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday 15 November at the Turkish Grand Prix," said the company.

"Mario returned a positive result during the regular Sunday COVID testing schedule. He is now isolating, and is asymptomatic and will adhere to the local medical guidelines.

"All close contacts have been declared, retested, and no further positive cases have been returned. Mario Isola will be repatriated to Italy following all the relevant stringent health protocols."

The Italian engineer posted on Monday afternoon a brief message on Twitter.

Today's announcement follows the news from last Friday by Williams in which the British outfit revealed that acting team principal Simon Roberts had tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of traveling to Turkey.

Formula 1's latest update on COVID-19 testing stated that 2543 test had been conducted on drivers, teams and personnel, with 9 people testing positive, including Roberts.

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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.