APXGP up and filming at the Hungaroring

Formula 1's fictional eleventh team – APXGP – was in action on Friday and Saturday at the Hungaroring as production for the F1 film starring Brad Pitt moved on from Silverstone to Budapest.

As a loyal member of Hollywood's Screen Actors Guild, whose members are still on strike as they continue their fight against Hollywood's studi executives, Pitt has temporarily paused his involvement in the Apple Films epic.

But APXGP's stunt drivers - filling in for the two main characters played in the film by Pitt and Damson Idris - were behind the wheel and putting in the laps to capture more thrilling on-track footage.

The film's production crews are expected to also set up shop at Spa next weekend. It's uncertain however if Brad Pitt will pop over to visit the set.

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.