F1 Academy's racers hit the track in Barcelona

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©GettyImages

F1 Academy's class of 2023 – the first in its history – kicks off two days of pre-season testing today in Barcelona.

The inaugural all-female series promoted by Formula 1 and managed by Susie Wolff features five teams - ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, Rodin Carlin, MP Motorsport and Prema Racing – with each outfit fielding three drivers.

The Formula 4-level series will rely on Tatuus T421 chassis powered by a 165hp Autotecnica engines and will run on Pirelli tyres.

Formula 1 is supporting each competitor with a €150,000 budget, with each driver bringing the same amount through personal sponsorship deals and each team covering the remaining costs, if any.

F1 Academy's season will kick off in earnest in Austria on 28-29 April, with drivers visiting Valencia, Barcelona, Zandvoort, Monza, Le Castellet and finally Austin in October where the F1 Academy will feature on F1's support bill at The Circuit of the Americas.

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.