Bottas always happy to return to Austria

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Valtteri Bottas returns to the Red Bull Ring this weekend, a venue which should not only play to the strengths of his Williams FW38 but one which also invokes good memories for the Finnish driver.

It was at the 2014 Austrian Grand Prix that Bottas secured his first ever podium finish when he came home third behind Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

"Austria is where I got my first podium in Formula 1, so it’s always nice to go back," said Bottas.

"I like the landscape and the beautiful countryside that surrounds the track because, it’s similar to my home in Finland.

"As a place to visit, I really enjoy it. The track itself is always fun to drive. It has a nice flow to it with some big elevation changes and plenty of high-speed corners. It’s also pretty good for our car, so it should be an interesting weekend."

Currently 7th in the championship standings, Bottas best race result year to date is a third place finish in Montreal.

The Finn was expecting a bit more from Williams this year and has grown impatient for a race win.

Oddly, while he was said to be on Ferrari's short list last year as a potential replacement for countryman Kimi Raikkonen, Bottas name has not been put at the forefront of any rumors.

But that could soon change with the expected arrival of F1's silly season. Speaking to Finland's Turun Sanomat, the Williams driver admitted to be taking a more keen interest in the management of his affairs currently handled by Didier Cotton and Mika Hakkinen.

"I have all the same managers as before, but now I take care of myself a little bit more," Bottas said.

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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.