McLaren junior Norris gets F1 test in Portugal

©LandoNorris

F3 racer and McLaren protégé Lando Norris is testing an F1 car for the first time this week as he enjoys a run in a 2011 McLaren at the Portimao circuit.

The 17-year-old, who was signed as McLaren junior earlier this year, has been awarded the two-day test as part of his prize for winning the 2016 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

The prize traditionally involves a few laps at Silverstone but given the teenager's impressive display of skill in McLaren's simulator, it was decided to put Norris in a 2011 McLaren MP4-26 for a two days in Portugal.

Norris, who races for Carlin Motorsport, is currently joint leader with Joel Eriksson of the European F3 Championship.

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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.