Victorious Buemi closes in on di Grassi for FE title

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Sebastian Buemi conquered the Berlin ePrix this afternoon and reduced his gap with championship leader Lucas di Grassi by just one point before the Formula E series finale in London.

The Renault e.dams driver fought with poleman Jean-Eric Vergne in the event's opening laps before running away with the lead and never looking back.

As usual, the FE race featured its traditional scraps and clashes down the field which produced a full course yellow and even a safety car in the closing stages, the latter leading led to a final two-lap showdown between Buemi and both Abt Audi Sport drivers, Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi.

Apparently Abt was given an order over the radio - by father Hans-Jurgen none the less - to let his team mate through in order for di Grassi to protect his lead in the championship.

"There was an order and I thought about doing it, I wanted to do it, and I slowed down on the main straight," said Abt. "But I don't think he [di Grassi] realised it."

Nicolas Prost, Vergne and Robin Frijns completed the top 6 finish. Vergne's DS Virgin racing team mate Sam Bird spent a miserable afternoon in Berlin after being flagged-in for a loose front wing end-plate, finishing well down the order in 11th place.

Round 9 and 10 of the FIA Formula E will close off the series with an all-important double-header in London on July 16.

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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.