Albon hits the DTM track with Ferrari 488 GT3

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Alex Albon hit the track at Hockenheim on Wednesday, the Red Bull F1 reserve driver racking up mileage at the wheel of his AlphaTauri-sponsored AF Corse Ferrari 488 GT3 during the DTM's first official test session.

Albon will share his AF Corse DTM ride in the series with Kiwi Nick Cassidy, with the Italian outfit also fielding a car for former F3 competitor Liam Lawson.

The British-Thai racer - who has virtually no experience of racing with a roof over his head - clocked in sixth at the end of Day 1 at Hockenheim, just over half a second behind Mercedes AMG pacesetter Maximilian Götz.

The eight-weekend DTM season will kick off at Monza on June 18-20 – although it’s yet to be confirmed which rounds Albon will contest.

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.