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Mazepin and Auer get seat time with Force India

F3 driver Nikita Mazepin and DTM winner Lucas Auer will the opportunity have to showcase their skills with Force India at Budapest's post-Grand Prix F1 test in early August.

The young hopefuls will share duties behind the wheel of the team's VJM10, with each driver awarded half a day of track time on both the Tuesday and the Wednesday.

“We are pleased to be running two talented youngsters at the Budapest test," said Sahara Fordce India team principal Vijay Mallya.

"We already know Nikita well and giving him time in the VJM10 is the next stage in his development programme with us.

"I’m delighted to welcome Lucas to the team and will follow his progress closely. It’s always a special moment when a driver gets to experience an F1 car for the first time and I’m pleased Lucas can make his debut in one of our cars."

Mazepin is indeed well acquainted with the Silverstone-based outfit, having tested for the team last season.

"I’m really looking forward to testing with Sahara Force India again," said the Russian.

"I’ve been working with the team for over a year and it’s great to get another chance to drive the car.

"The last time I drove an F1 car was in 2016 so it’s going to be interesting to make a comparison with the new 2017 regulations.

"I learned so much from the last test and it’s an important part of my development as a driver.

"I’ve been doing lots of simulator work to get ready for the test and I’m working hard to make sure I deliver everything the team expects from me."

Newcomer Lucas Auer is fighting at the front of the DTM field this season with his BTW-sponsored Mercedes, so Force India will offer its familiar pink environment to Gerhard Berger's nephew.

"Really exciting news - the most beautiful moment of my life," said an ecstatic Auer.

"For me, it's a childhood dream come true to drive an F1 car for the first time. I'm particularly proud that this will happen with Sahara Force India - a top Formula One team.

"I must say thank you to everybody who has worked to make this possible, especially to the team at Force India who have given me this opportunity.

"I will be aiming to make the most of the test - and, of course, I'll be savouring every second of it."
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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.