Bottas ripe for maiden F1 win, says trainer

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Valtteri Bottas is ready to break his duck in Formula 1, according to the Finn's personal trainer Antti Vierula.

While we patiently wait for confirmation of Bottas' move from Williams to Mercedes, the man closest to the 27-year-old driver believes and who once worked with triple world champion Lewis Hamilton, says he has no doubts his boy will deliver his first win if he enjoys a competitive car in 2017.

"Yes, after working for many years with different drivers, you begin to recognise the character," Vierula told Turun Sanomat.

"If Valtteri gets into a competitive car, yes, he will become a winner."

Expanding on those champion qualities he sees in Bottas, Vierula continued: "He demands a lot from himself and those who are working alongside him.

"Valtteri says exactly what he wants and knows exactly what he wants."

The trainer actually sees similarities between Bottas, 27, and quadruple world champion and F1 legend Alain Prost.

"They have a lot in common. I have not worked with Prost, but from what I have heard from the people at McLaren, both he and Valtteri use a lot of common sense in the races."

Still some catching up to do for Valtteri to match Prost however.

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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.