Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Wittmann amazed and surprised by F1 power

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Reigning DTM champion Marco Wittmann enjoyed his first taste of Formula 1 power in Wednesday's second day of testing at the Red Bull Ring.

As a coveted prize for winning the German series in 2014, Wittmann was awarded the opportunity to saddle a Toro Rosso bull for 158 laps, the most any driver completed on Wednesday, and was ecstatic about the experience.

"This has been an amazing experience for me," Wittmann said. "I was surprised at the power of the car. If I compare it to DTM, it's got quite a lot more power !"

The young German acquitted himself well, finishing the session just 0.99 seconds from pace-setter Nico Rosberg's best time. His first run in an F1 car also left him somewhat tired and with an understandable strain on his neck, but Wittmann refused to complain, and relished the chance offered to him by Toto Rosso.

"I enjoyed the whole day, which was trouble free, so I was able to do a lot of laps. I'm happy with my day, I hope the team is too. I would like to thank Red Bull, Scuderia Toro Rosso and BMW for giving me this great opportunity."

Click here for pictures from the final day of in-season testing in Austria

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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.