Leclerc gets back to the grind after COVID seclusion

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Charles Leclerc is up and running at Fiorano today, the Ferrari driver reporting for duty this morning fit and well after a two-week COVID quarantine at home in Monaco.

Leclerc is enjoying a full day of running onboard the Scuderia's SF71H as he warms up for the 2021 season along with teammate Carlos Sainz who will be in action tomorrow.

"Getting back in the car today was great, in fact it was brilliant!" said Leclerc, at the end of his day of testing.

"Seeing my mechanics again, putting the race suit on, doing my warm-up routine, putting on my helmet and finally jumping in the car and pressing the starter button… the sound of a Ferrari engine is always magic.

"The day was simply perfect and we got through all the work we had planned to do. I really enjoyed myself! Now I hand over to Carlos and I wish him the best of luck for tomorrow."

Ferrari's full week of testing at Fiorano kicked off yesterday with Giuliano Alesi, Marcus Armstrong and Robert Shwartzman while Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott will be behind the wheel on Thursday and Friday.

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.