Pato gets a heads up from Uncle Mika

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Pato O'Ward will test a current-spec McLaren next month in Abu Dhabi and the Mexican is already gearing up for the outing.

The Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar charger was in Woking recently to get himself acquainted with his future mount and the papaya squad's crews as well as to undergo his seat fitting.

But ahead of enjoying his big moment at Yas Marina in December, Pato was invited by Zak Brown to Laguna Seca last weekend to demo the McLaren Racing's boss' 1998 MP4/13.

Hakkinen is obviously no stranger to the machine that carried him to the world title that year, and the Finn was also on duty at last weekend's Velocity International classic meeting to help O'Ward settle in and take in a bit of McLaren history.

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.