Grosjean: Mercedes 'told me everything' during seat fitting

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Romain Grosjean says he was amazed by Mercedes' openness during his seat fitting with the Brackley squad as well as by the team's precision and attention to detail.

The former Haas driver will enjoy a track day next month with the world championship team at Paul Ricard, an opportunity set up by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to allow Grosjean to close his career in F1 after the Frenchman's fiery crash in Bahrain last year prevented him from completing the 2020 season.

"I will work all day with the car that won the French GP in 2019," Grosjean told French broadcaster Canal Plus. "This is a great opportunity to find out what a good Formula 1 car should be."

Read also - Grosjean: Leading IndyCar race 'felt like the good old days'

Earlier this year, during his visit to Brackley, Grosjean got acquainted with his one-off team and with its processes. And the Dale Coyne Racing IndyCar driver was massively impressed with his experience.

"At Brackley, everything is at the highest level – you can feel it in the atmosphere and culture of the team," he said. "I am impressed with the precision and attention to detail.

"I got the chance to test their simulator and realised how far advanced they are.

"The team opened every door for me, explained how every switch on the steering wheel worked. I was happy and even surprised by this approach.

"Actually I am amazed at their openness. They told me everything. They said ‘We will try everything. Everything will be like a race weekend’."

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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.