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Piquet Jr not expecting a return to F1

©NelsonPiquetJr

Nelson Piquet Jr has conceded that his chances of one day returning to Formula 1 are virtually non-existent.

The son of triple World Champion Nelson Piquet was forced out of the sport in disgrace following his involvement in the infamous 'crash-gate' affair which took place in Singapore in 2008, and which also led to the demise of Renault team boss Flavio Briatore.

After departing F1, Nelsinho Piquet found refuge in the US, racing in NASCAR from 2010 to 2014. He then joined the ranks of Formula E with China Racing, achieving two outright wins and clinching the all-electric series' very first title.

"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it happens,” Piquet, told Argentine sports daily Ole.

"I am very realistic about my time in Formula 1, as every driver would like to be on a team that allows you to win races. But I had a podium in my first year and did many things that others would not do in five or six years.

"Today my career is Formula E and I don’t think much about returning to F1. There are at least six drivers who have the money and the sponsors to take the places from the others.

"I’m happy with my career,” he concluded. "And I have had several challenges — not everything is about F1.”

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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.