Karting down the days to the start of the season

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F1 drivers will be up and running in a little over six weeks at Barcelona when pre-season testing kicks off at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Some are counting down the days on the beach of an exotic resort while Fernando Alonso is reeling in the laps at his karting track in Spain.

The 40-year-old Alpine driver has become F1's elderly statesman following Kimi Raikkonen's retirement from the sport.

But who is counting the years? Not this blindingly fast spring chicken...

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.