Mercedes' aero chief Eric Blandin to join Aston Martin

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Aston Martin F1 has confirmed that Mercedes' head of aero Eric Blandin will join the Silverstone-based outfit in the future.

Blandin previously officiated at Red Bull from 2005 to 2009 before moving to Ferrari where he enjoyed a two-year stint with the Scuderia.

He then joined Mercedes in 2011 as the Brackley squad's principal aerodynamicst before he was promoted to chief of aero in 2017.

"We can confirm that Eric Blandin will begin working for Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team next year," said a spokesman for the team.

"His exact start date is not yet confirmed. The transition from Mercedes AMG F1 Team to ourselves will be an amicable one."

Read also: Aston Martin hands Abu Dhabi rookie test to Yelloly

Aston martin announced earlier this year the hiring of former Red Bull aero chief Dan Fallows, while Lawrence Stroll's outfit also hired Luca Furbatto from Alfa Romeo

Earlier this year, Aston Martin, which is in the process of building a new state-of-the-art factory at its Silverstone base, hired ex-Red Bull aero chief Dan Fallows and poached Luca Furbatto away from Alfa Romeo as part of a major technical reshuffle.

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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.