Rosberg: 'Hugely inspired and motivated by Schumacher'

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Reigning world champion Nico Rosberg paid tribute to Michael Schumacher and the motivation his example instilled during the Mercedes' driver title winning season.

Rosberg was in Dusseldorf yesterday as a guest of honor of the very first Keep Fighting Award organised at Europe's largest sports business congress, SPOBIS.

The award, presented by Rosberg to Paralympian Vanessa Low, is part of the Keep Fighting initiative, which was recently launched by the Schumacher family for charitable purposes.

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Rosberg took the opportunity to remind everyone of the huge impact the seven-time world champion had on his career during the period when the two drivers were team mates at Mercedes between 2010 and 2012.

"It was an exciting time and a big challenge," Rosberg said.

"This is an enormous effort to have such a strong team-mate. You can see why he is seven times world champion."

The German was undoubtedly inspired by the most successful F1 driver in history during their time together..

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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.