'Stroll very fortunate to have private test program,' says Massa

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Williams' Felipe Massa said that team mate Lance Stroll's comprehensive test program over the past year has been a huge benefit for the rookie.

Stroll's contract with Williams called for an extensive private program, running a 2017-spec Williams at multiple venues with the purpose of accumulating mileage and learning the tracks as he prepared for his entry this year into the big time.

Massa himself also had the opportunity to drive this year, joining Stroll's Williams test team in Bahrain to establish a point of reference for the 18-year-old Canadian.

"I went to Bahrain, drove one day for him to create references for him and the team," Massa said.

"He is very fortunate to be able to test before these (official) tests, which is very difficult these days in F1, and especially important because this year the difference between Formula 3 and F1 is very great.

"I met him when he was 8, and I know quite a lot about his father too. Knowing that boy is my teammate today is very pleasant for me."

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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.