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Wolff keen to make Bottas decision by Singapore

Mercedes Formula 1 chief Toto Wolff wants to head into the final run of flyaway races in 2017 with a decision made regarding Valtteri Bottas' future as the Finn continues to wait to hear about his 2018 plans.

Bottas has made an impressive start to life with Mercedes through the first 11 races of the year, taking two race wins to sit third in the championship.

Mercedes signed Bottas to a one-year deal to replace world champion Nico Rosberg for 2017, but has been holding off on a decision for 2018 as it plots its future driver plans.

With the summer break offering Mercedes some respite after a busy run of races, Wolff plans to hold more talks with Bottas in the hope of having a firm decision made within the next six weeks.

"It's a good time to talk and to think things through," Wolff said.

"We had some good discussions with Valtteri before Hungary.

"I'd certainly like to go to Asia for the final races with a decision."

While Bottas has been keen to learn of Mercedes' plans for 2018 for some time, the Finn is planning to spend part of the summer break relaxing and recovering after a relentless start to the season.

"For sure the first week I will spend in the sauna having beers! But for sure there could be some progress to be made on that during the break," Bottas said.

"The last month has been pretty hectic. We've had how many races in six weeks? Quite a few.

"It is kind of difficult to make proper meetings and discussions in that time, but for sure there will be some time.

"There's no rush. We don't need to get anything done before Spa."

Zdroj: crash.net