New Alfa boys Bottas and Zhou hit the track

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Alfa Romeo Racing's all-new 2022 line-up made its debut on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, with Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou taking to the Yas Marina track for the first day of post-season testing.

Bottas, sporting a special Christmas-themed lid, was onboard Alfa's mule car that is running next year's 18-inch wheels as part of Pirelli's tyre development program.

On the other side of the Swiss outfit's garage, Zhou was entrusted with Alfa's 2021 C41 to get acquainted with his new team.

The Chinese hopeful will switch over to Alfa's mule car on Wednesday while Bottas will jet off into a well-deserved winter break.

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.