Kvyat eager to get back to work at Spa

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When drivers resume their duties at Spa this weekend, Daniil Kvyat will be among those for whom a good result will be of significant importance.

The Russian has struggled since his demotion from Red Bull racing to Toro Rosso, with a tally of just two points since the Spanish GP and a poor relative performance compared to his team mate Cralos Sainz.

Indeed, Kvyat's future in Grand Prix racing has now been called into question, forcing him to pull out all the stops in the second part of the season in an attempt to save his seat at Toro Rosso or convince others he deserves to remain in Formula 1.

Spa, a track Kvyat is particularly fond of, will provide him with a good opportunity to show his merits.

"When I think of Spa-Francorchamps, the first thing that comes to my mind is Eau Rouge," says Kvyat.

"It’s a corner I really enjoy and where you need to be brave and go for it! The straight after that is quite long and a good spot to try and overtake your rivals.

"You then arrive to Turns 5 and 6, a fast chicane, and you then need to prepare the exit out of Turn 7 well. Turns 12 and 13 form another fast chicane, and the exit out of Turn 14 is important as you then drive flat out until the end of the lap."

Kvyat finished 4th in 2015 at Spa, and while a similar performance appears a distant prospect this year, a solid run in to the top 10 would certainly help his cause.

"This is a very special track which I really enjoy; it’s high-speed, full of elevation changes and with many fast-flowing corners which make it very exciting for the driver.

"The second sector in particular is the part I enjoy the most, as it includes a lot of cool corners. I can’t wait to race there again!"

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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.