Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsSauber

Huge payout for van der Garde ?

It appears Giedo van der Garde may recieve a hefty compensation - to say the least - for relinquishing any claims over his intended Sauber race seat.

While Sauber was relieved last weekend to have Giedo van der Garde drop its case against the Swiss team and permit its regularly nominated drivers to race in Melbourne, it's emerging just how high of a price Sauber may have to pay to settle the matter permanently.

It's rumored that van der Garde may be on the verge of receiving a huge €15m payout to drop all claims the Dutch driver brought forward against the team. Needless to say, it would be a huge bonus for van de Garde but one wonders if it would not also seriously deplete Sauber's coffers at a time when the team is in dire need of resources to sustain its presence in F1.

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.