Ferrari and Vettel up and running at Mugello

©Ferrari

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©Ferrari

Ferrari's masked crews and Sebastian Vettel sprung into action this morning at Mugello where the Scuderia ramped up its preparations for next week's opening round of the 2020 F1 season.

The Italian outfit is relying on its trusty 2018 SF71-H machine to conduct its test which is also allowing the team to practice the COVID-19 safety procedures that will be in force at races this summer.

Vettel is set to handover the SF71-H to Charles Leclerc this afternoon, the Monegasque completing the team's warm-up program.

Mugello is owned by Ferrari and the track holds an FIA Grade 1 licence that would allow it to host an F1 race, which it might well do this later year, a week after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

"I really think Mugello deserves to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix," said Vettel after getting reacquainted with the Tusca,n circuit.

"I hadn’t driven it for eight years, so it took a few laps for me to get used to the track and then I really enjoyed myself."

©Ferrari

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.