Video: Button samples Honda Civic rallycross car

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McLaren's Jenson Button, who is currently taking a sabbatical year from F1, tested a Honda Civic rallycross car in America on Wednesday as he weighs his racing options for 2017.

As a McLaren-Honda ambassador and reserve driver, a product from the Japanese manufacturer's family is a logical choice as Button got behind the wheel of Swedish Team OlsbergsMSE's Civic.

He likes it and he's doing really well," OMSE owner Andreas Eriksson told Motorsport.com.

"Jenson is enjoying himself. He wanted to see what he can do and how fast he can be and so on, and that's what we're trying to help him answer.

"Obviously we both work closely with Honda, so it makes sense for him to do it with us."

Ericksson added that no deal was currently in the works but that the relationship with Button was developing on a step-by-step basis.

Button posted on Instagram a short video of himself manhandling the car on a course at Sebring.

As a reminder, Button's late father John competed actively in rallycross in the late 1970s.

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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.