New 2017 rules going in the wrong direction - Rosberg

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Championship leader Nico Rosberg is the latest driver to add a dissenting voice to proposed 2017 regulation changes.

In a bid to make cars faster by up to five seconds a lap, F1's power brokers are set to introduce a major technical overhaul involving, among other things, a change in aerodynamics.

But Rosberg believes the changes which include more downforce will not have the desired effect, and will hinder rather than promote closer racing between competitors.

"We need to be battling each other and 2017, I don't think will deliver that because as we know downforce is the thing that is hindering us," explained the Mercedes stalwart.

"It's one of the main things because you can't follow as closely. If you put 30 per cent more downforce it's clearly going to go more in the wrong direction.

"The priority has to make more battling and more overtaking possible so it's the wrong direction. I don't want to say everybody, but if I'm hearing correctly, a lot of other drivers are saying the same thing."

Mercedes' Toto Wolff has changed his stance on the new rules and has come out against any change, while many drivers who at first encouraged faster cars are also backtracking on 2017's proposed plans.

"Faster cars is one thing, more downforce is another thing. You can get faster cars mechanically, and I think that might be where the whole thing is a bit cloudy.

"Yes, I also want faster cars, but I'd want it in another way - not downforce. Maybe that is the thing which is not clear."

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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.