Massa to sample Jaguar Formula E

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Williams Felipe Massa will have the opportunity to sample a car he would have perhaps raced in 2017, had he decided not to return to Formula 1.

Massa was rumored to have signed an agreement to race in Formula E team in 2017, but Nico Rosberg's retirement , and Valtteri Bottas' subsequent move from Williams to Mercedes, set in motion a revolving door which brought the Brazilian back to where he started.

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Massa will still get the chance to test a machine form the full-electric series, and while the test is provided by Jaguar, its location is still unknown.

"Panasonic Jaguar Racing received a request from Formula E to give Felipe Massa the chance to experience a Formula E car," the team said in statement released yesterday.

"We are happy to provide this opportunity."

With preparations for the 2017 Formula 1 season in full swing, it's not knows why Massa has accepted the test beyond a simple case of satisfying one's curiosity.

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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.