Williams calls it a day after Stroll mishap

Lance Stroll's off-track excursion at Turn 9 this morning looked rather harmless at first glance, but further analysis revealed damage which has halted Williams' running for the day.

"Lance was on lap six of his second run when he had a spin," explained head of performance engineering, Rob Smedley.

"The grip was particularly low and so he spun and went through the gravel backwards. Even though the accident was entirely innocuous we’ve unfortunately had quite a bit of accident damage, which we’re now in the process of repairing.

"We’re having to send some composite parts back to the factory, which will be back with us at some point tomorrow.

"We’re doing the upmost we can now to get back out on track at the earliest opportunity tomorrow. We will be able to recover the programme in the coming days."

Stroll is learning the inevitable ropes of Formula 1, and while mistakes should be expected, the team has nevertheless lost valuable track time this week.

"It is still early days and I have only done a handful of laps," said the 18-year-old rookie.

"I am just getting to grips with the FW40, and there is still a lot of time ahead of us. It was good to finally get behind the wheel to just get a feel for it.

"Like I said, it is still early days, so I need to do a lot more running before I know exactly where I am and where the car is at.

"I will have a much better picture once we have more laps under our belts, but it was good to break the ice and I am looking forward to some more running."

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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.