Budapest Day 2 - All eyes on Robert Kubica!

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Day 2 of the Budapest in-season test will very much be about the fate of one man: Renault's Robert Kubica.

The Pole is attempting an extraordinary comeback, and his ability will be put to the task for the very first time by driving a new-spec F1 car.

"In the beginning it will be a question of getting used to all the new stuff," said Kubica yesterday.

"I will make sure I do it as fast as possible but in a gradual way, without taking too much risk.

"Because in the end, the commitment I want to give to the team is to use the day, not only to give me a chance, but also to use the day as a test day for the team.

"I know we have some nice important tests to do on the car, so I'm looking forward.

"I would like to have a comfortable feeling in the car but also I would like to see the team happy with the job I have done, not about the real laps times and pace but about the commitment and feedback I can give which will be crucial. So I will concentrate to do my best."

Ferrari's Leclerc hails 'fantastic experience'

After Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets for Ferrari yesterday, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen will have a benchmark time at their disposal.

Red Bull junior Pierre Gasly takes over from Max Verstappen, while Carlos Sainz and Dany Kvyat will share the driving at Toro Rosso.

Lando Norris will be another interesting young talent to follow at McLaren, and F2 racer Luca Ghiotto will also enjoy his maiden F1 run when he is entrusted with Williams' FW40.

Finallly, Honda protégé Nobuharu Matsushita will also get to test the waters of F1 when he runs with Sauber today.

F1i will be on site to cover the action with live timing and reporting.

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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.