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Mercedes offers to give Grosjean farewell F1 test

Mercedes has offered to give Romain Grosjean a private F1 test early next year if the Frenchman is unable to conclude his career in the sport next week in Abu Dhabi.

Grosjean, who miraculously survived a terrifying crash last weekend in Bahrain, is uncertain to race in F1's season finale at Yas Marina, with swelling and minor burns on his left hand possibly leaving him unable to manhandle an F1 car.

But Grosjean has stated that he doesn't want his final lap in an F1 car to have been the dramatic one he endured at the start of the Bahrain GP and which ended in agony.

"The story would be beautiful to go to Abu Dhabi," he said. "If I don't, I'll call every single F1 team and see if anyone would offer me a private test in January or so, to jump back in the car, and have 10-15 laps to myself."

Informed of the Frenchman's plan, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said that if no other team can make it happen than he would be willing to try and arrange a proper send off for Grosjean.

"If we are allowed to do this, and nobody else within his universe of teams that he raced with would provide him with such an opportunity, we would do this," said Wolff.

Haas is unlikely to cater to its driver's wish given its tight budget, but Renault, with whom Grosjean started his career in F1 in 2009, could possibly roll out a two-year-old car for its former driver to enjoy.

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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.

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