Honda junior Matsushita gets Sauber test run in Hungary

F2 racer and Honda protégé Nobuharu Matsushita has been offered his first run in an F1 car by Sauber at next week's in-season test in Hungary.

The Japanese hopeful will drive for the Swiss outfit on the second day of the test, following in the footsteps of fellow F2 racer Gustav Malja.

Matsushita's presence at the test could signify that Sauber's deal to run Honda power next season could still be on course.

Sauber and Honda had agreed in principle to a power-unit supply deal but it was reported that the departure from Sauber of former team principal Monisha Kaltenborn had put the potential partnership in jeopardy.

It is worth noting however that Matsushita races in F1 for ART, the outfit managed by Fred Vasseur, Sauber's recently nominated team principal.

So the young charger's opportunity to test with the Swiss outfit may simply be linked to Vasseur's own positive assessment of Matsushita's burgeoning talent.

"I am pleased that Nobuharu has this great opportunity," Vasseur said.

"He deserves the experience of his first test in a Formula 1 car.

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"Ever since his debut in Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix, I have been following his progress closely, and have watched him advance his performance from year to year.

"With this Formula 1 test, he comes one step closer to his dream of becoming an F1 driver one day."

Matsushita is obviously ecstatic about his upcoming test at the Hungaroring.

"When I was four years old, I was fascinated by Michael Schumacher, watching him racing in Formula 1," said the driver.

"Since then my dream was to become a Formula 1 driver.

"I am very excited about my first Formula 1 test and I am really looking forward to driving the Sauber C36-Ferrari at the Hungaroring – it is a great opportunity for me.

"I hope it will be a productive day for the team as well as for myself, so that I can learn as much as possible. I would like to thank the Sauber F1 Team for making this happen."

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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.