Hulkenberg arriving at the right time for Renault - Bell

Renault tech boss Bob Bell says that Nico Hulkenberg is arriving at the right time as the French outfit looks to draw on the German's experience to help itself improve in 2017.

Following its difficult return to Formula 1 in 2016 as a works effort, Renault realized that an experienced driver was a necessity rather than a luxury.

Hulkenberg was thus signed to a multiyear deal from Force India, replacing Kevin Magnussen, a choice which Bell sees as a perfect fit for Renault given its long term ambitions of returning to the front of the grid.

"Nico will bring a very clear sense of direction in terms of where we need to take the car from a driver's perspective," Bell explained to Autosport.

"He's not going to tell us what shape to make the front wing but he'll be very clear about what we need to do to, what characteristics from the driver's perspective the car needs.

"We're moving to different tyres next year and to have someone of his experience will very much help us deal with that transition.

"His experience will help with how to get the best out of them and how to manage. So those are two areas where he could play a really critical role.

"And of course he'll be a focal point for the team to help motivate everybody and pull everybody forward."

Asked whether Renault's season would have been less troublesome had Hulkenberg been on hand to help the team as soon as last year, Bell didn't believe it would have changed much.

"It probably wouldn't have been all that valuable in 2016 to be honest. But this year as we take another step forward, we're now into the territory where we need an experienced driver, one of his calibre to help us get the most out of that step we will take.

"He will help really ground us in terms of our understanding of where we are and what we need to do to move forward. He's going to be a very key element in the season for us."

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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.