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Symonds calls it a day on F1 involvement

Pat Symonds has ruled out a return to Formula 1 following his departure late last year from Williams, but the 63-year-old engineer is eager to remain involved in motor sport.

Symonds , who enjoyed a successful period in Formula 1 with Benetton and Renault, was appointed chief technical officer at Williams in July 2013 but decided to leave the Grove-based outfit when his contract expired at the end of 2016.

"I've spent January looking around at what possibilities there might be," he told Motorsport.com.

"I'm on holiday in February and during that time I'll decide on some of the things I might do, and then in March I'll start doing them.

Lowe to start Williams role in March - reports

While no longer interested in Formula 1, the British engineer is keeping his options open for a full-time involvement in a different realm of motor racing.

"It's not really my intention to join another F1 team – I want to do different things now. What I'm surprised about is how much work there is out there. I'm quite open-minded about what I'll do.

"I'm certainly not retired, and now I am away from the relentless intensity of F1 team work it will be nice to reflect and use my experience in a positive way for the sport."

The impending arrival at Williams of former Mercedes tech boss Paddy Lowe, may have also had a bearing in Symonds decision to move on to other pastures.

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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.