Newey stepping up involvement with 2017 car

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Formula 1's 2017 technical changes have seduced design guru Adrian Newey who is playing a large part in the conception of Red Bull's future challenger, according to Christian Horner.

For the past couple of years, Newey has been devoting his genius to other projects such as the Aston Martin road car.

But the introduction of F1's the new technical rules, notably on the aerodynamic front, have enticed the engineer to step up his input and influence with Red Bull's design team.

"In the last couple of years he's been splitting his time 50:50 between Advanced Technology projects and F1, and that's working very well," Horner told Motorsport.com.

"The senior technical team have taken a step up and are doing a great job, as you can see with the current car. But Adrian's influence and guidance is still very much there, and is very present with the 2017 car.

"He's got a very high work ethic anyway, and he seems to be enjoying the challenge at the moment. I think for any engineer regulation changes are always stimulating, and I think that's no different for Adrian or any members of the team."

Despite Newey's renewed interest and intervention, Horner doesn't believe the 2017 rulebook will provide much benefit to Red Bull.

"There are no guarantees of anything in this business, but with a relatively clean sheet of paper it's the same opportunity for everybody.

"We've got a great team and we're relishing the challenge. There's some very stiff opposition out there, and we don't see it as a benefit one way or another."

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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.