Sebastian Vettel reports for duty in Melbourne

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Sebastian Vettel reported for duty on Wednesday in Melbourne where the Aston Martin driver will finally kick off his 2022 season.

Vettel was forced to sit out the first two races of 2022 after testing positive for Covid-19, but the German is now fit and well, and will reclaim his seat at Team Silverstone which his countryman Nico Hulkenberg kept warm during his short interim.

“After testing positive and missing the first two races, it feels a bit like arriving late to school, so I’m really keen to get going again,” Vettel said.

“Starting my season in Australia is something I’ve done before, of course, and it’s also great that Formula 1 is returning after a difficult couple of years.

“For me, after nearly a month out of the car, it will be important to learn throughout the practice sessions, and I hope we can take some steps forward in what is usually an exciting and unpredictable race.”

Ahead of his track walk on Wednesday at Albert Park, Vettel was eager to check on his protégé Mick Schumacher, who crashed heavily in qualifying in Jeddah.

Mutual smiles and an arm around the shoulder were reassuring signs for both drivers.

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.