Giovinazzi heads to Haas for British GP!

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Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi will be back behind the wheel at the British GP, driving for Haas in Friday's first free practice session.

The 23-year-old deputised for Sauber's Pascal Wehrlein in Melbourne and China. While the young Italian enjoyed an impressive run in Australia, his visit to Shanghai was marked by two heavy crashes, in qualifying and in the race.

But Silverstone won't be Giovinazzi's only outing with Haas this season. Kevin Magnussen will relinquish his seat for six FP1 sessions while teammate Romain Grosjean cedes his racecar to Giovinazzi during FP1 in Mexico.

"In a year that’s already been filled with great opportunities, I’m proud to have another one with Haas F1 Team," said the Italian.

"Being the third driver with Scuderia Ferrari is obviously a great place to be, and getting seat time in these FP1 sessions with Haas F1 Team will keep me sharp.

Scenes from the paddock - Monaco

"I’ll be able to take what I’ve learned in the simulator and apply it in actual race conditions. I’m proud of the faith Ferrari and Haas have in me and gracious for the seat time Kevin and Romain are sharing with me."

"Antonio Giovinazzi earned a good bit of Formula One experience during his two races with Sauber this year and these FP1 sessions with our team will allow him to develop even more," said Guenther Steiner, team principal, Haas F1 Team.

"He is highly regarded by Ferrari and performed very well last year in Formula 2. It’s a good opportunity for him and we’re happy to provide it. Credit also goes to Kevin and Romain for graciously sharing their racecars with Antonio."

Giovinazzi will also run later this week with Ferrari in a modified old-spec SF15-T at a Pirelli wet weather tyre test.

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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.