Mercedes F1's Vowles to race in Asian Le Mans Series

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Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles who has helped guide the Brackely squad to countless race wins will take to the track this month in the four-race Asian Le Mans Series.

Vowles, who started his successful career in F1 as an engineer for BAR and Honda Racing F1 before leading Brawn GP's strategy in its championship winning campaign in 2009, has been a prominent member of the dominant Mercedes team since the manufacturer's return to F1 as a works outfit in 2010.

However, before taking his spot on Mercedes' pitwall for the 2022 season, the British engineer will slot himself behind the wheel of a McLaren 720S GT3 machine entered by Garage 59 in the Asian Le Mans Series.

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Vowles will partner with Manuel Maldonado – the cousin of former F1 driver Pastor Maldonado - and Nicolai Kjærgaard for the two-race series that will unfold over two double-header weekends at Dubai Autodrom on February 12/13 and at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi on February 19/20.

"I’m really happy with the driver line-ups we’ve secured for Asian Le Mans," said Garage 59 team boss Andrew Kirkaldy.

"We’re all looking forward to getting started with the McLaren 720S and hopefully getting our first win of the season. For sure it will also be handy to have one of F1’s best strategists in the team."

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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.