Rosberg escapes penalty for slow lap

Nico Rosberg and Mercedes have been cleared of any wrongdoing by the British GP stewards after the 31-year-old was investigated for allegedly breaching rules in qualifying this afternoon.

Rosberg had been facing a penalty because he appeared to exceed the maximum time allowed between two safety car lines.

However, after hearing the driver and a representative of his team, the stewards decided that no grid penalty or subsequent sanction would be imposed on the current leader of the world championship.

Mercedes' explanation was that Rosberg was on a lap to cool down his tyres when the crucial time was set, a situation which did not contravene with the rules.

"Car 6 was not on an in-lap when the time between the Safety Car lines was set," the stewards said in a statement.

Nico Rosberg will therefore line up on the front row of tomorrow's British GP alongside arch-rival and team mate Lewis Hamilton.

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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.