Renault extends option date on Magnussen

Renault's extends option date on Magnussen

Renault has asked Kevin Magnussen for more time in deciding whether to renew or not the Danish driver's contract for 2017, a request the latter has accepted.

The French manufacturer initially had until October 1 to take up its option on 23-year-old Magnussen but the date has now been pushed back to October 14.

"Renault asked if their option on me could be extended. I have accepted," Magnussen told Danish publication BT.

Renault have yet to announce their driver line-up for next year, and while Jolyon Palmer's seat appears up for grabs, Magnussen's own contract may have a stronger chance of renewal.

It is believed that Renault held a similar option on Palmer but it is not known whether the Brit, who scored his first championship point last weekend in Sepang, was offered a similar extension.

Pundits believe Renault have been trying to secure the services of a top tier driver in the vein of Valtteri Bottas, Nico Hulkenberg or Carlos Sainz, and eventually pair the chosen one alongside young hopeful Esteban Ocon.

Hulkenberg and Sainz are both under contract for 2017, with Force India and Toro Rosso respectively, while Bottas is expected to stay at Williams.

With driver availability fast diminishing, Renault's most reasonable choice would therefore be to contract Magnussen for one more season.

Year-to-date, the Dane has scored twice, with a 7th place finish achieved in Russia and a 10th place finish clinched recently in Singapore.

"I want to show my patience and loyalty to the team," Magnussen added. "They have shown me great confidence by giving me the chance to return to Formula 1 this season and I hope that our cooperation will continue for a long time."

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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.