Gutierrez bracing for two special weekends

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Along with his team, Esteban Gutierrez is back on home turf although he'll have to wait another week before displaying his talent in front of his own home crowd in Mexico.

The occasion to race in America, to which he hopes to rise, naturally takes on a special meaning given that his employer , the Haas F1 Team, flies the star-spangled banner.

"It’s important to represent America around the world," says Gutierrez

"But now that we get back home and go to Austin for the U.S. Grand Prix, it’s something very special because we are on American soil.

"That gives a special touch to our weekend. More motivation and great energy from the people to achieve a fantastic result."

While Haas competes globally, the 25-year-old Mexican insisted on its US heritage and that of its founder which very much permeates throughout the team.

"The culture is different, and it’s a philosophy that comes from Gene himself. He’s a very humble person and he’s very much a genius on the technical side.

"His vision is about making technology very simple and easy to use. This has been implemented throughout the team in an effort to represent America in the best way in Formula One."

Gutierrez has yet to be confirmed at Haas for next season, which means that the next couple of races, in addition to their link to national pride, may perhaps be instrumental in the Mexican being on the grid in 2017.

"It’s going to be an intensive experience – something that I will enjoy so much because it’s probably the two most special events for me this year.

"It comes at a great time of the year where we can share all this passion with all the people that have been supporting us from America and from Mexico.

"During the first year the team has scored points. We’ve faced a lot of downsides or technical issues that we had to solve together as a team in many races.

"There have been a lot of challenges, but at the same time, scoring points and making it into the Q3 [in Japan] has been very special as a new team, and I am sure that this success will bring the team forward in the coming years."

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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.