Hirakawa completes first F1 test in papaya

©McLaren

Ryo Hirakawa, who recently joined McLaren’s driver development programme, was up and running with the Woking-based outfit in Barcelona on Thursday.

It was the 29-year-old Japanese driver’s maiden F1 outing with team papaya for which he will fulfill a reserve role in 2024, the 2022 Le Mans winner dovetailing his F1 commitment with his continued involvement with Toyota in the WEC.

On Friday at the Circuit de Catalunya, Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar charger Pato O’Ward, who is also earmarked as an official McLaren substitute for next season, took over from Hirakawa, the 24-year-old having previously enjoyed several F1 runs with McLaren in the past.

Pato O'Ward, ready to take to the track with McLren on Friday in Barcelona.

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.