Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsManorMarussia

Booth: "Manor would not be here without Jules"

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Manor team principal John Booth said that the British team would not be in a position to compete in Grand Prix racing if it were not for the precious points scored by Jules Bianchi at Monaco last year.

The unexpected result had enabled Marussia to finish ninth in the constructors championship in 2014, which brought in a crucial thirty million euro windfall for 2015.

"I think of Jules almost every single day," Booth said to French weekly Auto-Hebdo. "I think of him and about how he should be here with us. We weren't successful in putting our cars on the grid in Melbourne but we have won our first battle. I so much wish for Jules to win his."

Booth emphasized once again the importance of the Monaco points scored by Bianchi, insisting that they were instrumental in convincing the team's new partners to invest in the outfit.

"Today, Jules' fight is also ours. Just like ours was also his at the time. Our destinies are bound together. We struggled together and we rejoiced together. We're emerging today from Manor's worst time and I'm convinced that Jules will soon pull through his. I think we've proven that faith can move mountains, and there's always hope as long as one believes in it. And I believe in Manor."

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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.