Alesi carries on father's Ferrari legacy 30 years on

©Ferrari

There was a familiar name and helmet in action at Fiorano on Monday, with Giuliano Alesi rolling out onboard a Ferrari 30 years after his famous father's first test with the Scuderia in January 1991.

The 21-year-old son of former Ferrari driver and one-time Grand Prix winner Jean Alesi kicked off the Italian outfit's busy week of testing at Fiorano.

Giuliano, who raced in the FIA F2 Championship in 2019 and 2020 but who will unfortunately depart the Ferrari Driver Academy after today's run, took to the track for the very first time at the wheel of an F1 car.

"I’d like to thank Ferrari and the FDA for this fantastic opportunity today," Alesi said after his emotional morning outing. "To be able to get in the cockpit of the SF71H was incredibly exciting as was driving the car on track with my father watching and sporting the same race number he used.

"In terms of handling, the car is not too difficult to drive, but the power was surprising and never seems to end. The immediacy and efficiency of the braking is also impressive. This test was the best way possible for me to bid farewell to Ferrari. Now a new adventure awaits me in Asia and I can’t wait for it to start."

In the afternoon, the Frenchman handed over the SF71H to another F1 absolute beginner, Marcus Armstrong who became only the second Kiwi after Chris Amon to saddle a prancing horse.

©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.