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Williams' Smedley plays down rumors of Honda switch

Williams' Head of Vehicle Performance Rob Smedley says that the Formula 1 team currently satisfied with its Mercedes partnership and is not currently contemplating a power unit supplier change.

Former Williams driver and 1996 World Champion Damon Hill recently suggested that the Grove outfit should switch its power allegiance to Honda if it wished to recapture its former glory.

Hill believes his former team will never be in a position to battle for the world championship as long as it remains a client of the German manufacturer.

But Smedley has played down Hill's suggestions.

"First of all we are really, really happy with the level of service and the power unit itself that we get from Mercedes," he said.

While Williams fell behind Mercedes in terms of engine development last season, Smedley indicated that the the British team and its partner will return to parity in 2016.

"I think ultimately we are really happy. They (Mercedes) are a very professional outfit and they supply an incredible power unit as well."

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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.