Interest ramps up for Toro Rosso's James Key

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Highly rated Toro Rosso technical director James Key is attracting interest from rival teams, but team boss Franz Tost believes the British engineer will see out his contract with the Faenza-based squad.

Labelled as a potential heir to design guru Adrian Newey, James Key's expertise is obviously greatly valued with Ferrari often cited as a possible suitor for his services.

But Franz Tost believes recent talks with his technical director have reassured Toro Rosso with regard to Key's commitment to the Italian team in the mid-term.

"Of course we have discussed this, but James has a contract with Toro Rosso," Tost told Motorsport.com.

"James is an honest person and a gentleman. I expect that he respects his contract. He has also good working conditions and has a good team around him. Therefore I hope that he will stay with us."

While Tost would not exclude the possibility that Key could eventually be led to the gates of Maranello, the Austrian insisted that the satisfaction his tech chief derives from his current working environment could be disrupted in the case of a change.

"I personally think that currently the environment on the technical side of Toro Rosso is positive. The working conditions are good.

"The rest we will see then next year with what's going on with the chassis and the Renault power unit."

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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.