Palmer feels lucky to race in F1

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Despite a difficult maiden season at the pinnacle of motor sport, Jolyon Palmer feels 'lucky' to have been given the opportunity to race in Formula 1 with Renault.

Despite coming close on a few occasions, the British driver has yet to score a championship point in his rookie season while Renault currently sits ninth in the constructors' standings, just edging out tail end runners Manor and Sauber.

Ultimately, Palmer feels fortunate just to be able to race alongside the best drivers in the world rather than unlucky to drive an uncompetitive car.

"I don't feel like that specifically is unlucky," the Briton said.

"I feel like pretty much a lot of everything else this year has been unlucky but we knew that it was going to be quite tough this year. I expected that we would be kind of where we are, I'm still very happy.

I think that I'm lucky in the grand scheme of things with Renault because they are a manufacturer team. They've got huge resources and they will be champions in the future so it's better to be here than to be a driver in some teams that are doing a bit better currently."

As he faces an uncertain future at the top of the sport, and while not completely oblivious of the rumors swirling around Renault's driver line-up for next season, Palmer remains resolutely focused on the current campaign.

"Nothing changes, I'm not fussed. I'm used to them [rumours] anyway now it's not a complete shock.

"I know the situation here anyway, I'm doing my best and regardless of what anyone is saying. I've got to do my job in the car."

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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.