Jimmie Johnson gets comfortable at McLaren

©McLaren

Seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson was at Woking this week to have a seat fitting in preparation for his upcoming test with McLaren.

Next Monday, Johnson and Fernando Alonso will be trading places, with each driving the other's car for a full day at Sakhir.

Getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR machine is likely a simpler and more straight-forward process than taming an F1 beast, especially in the current ultra-complicated hybrid engine era and the dozens of processes required before even turning a wheel.

Johnson will embed with the McLaren team at Abu Dhabi this weekend to get acquainted with his environment, and before Monday's big test.

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.