F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel keeps Ferrari on top - Kubica puts in the miles

Sebastian Vettel kept Ferrari at the top of the timesheet half-way through the second day of in-season testing at the Hungaroring.

The German driver put 40 laps under his belt and clocked in with a 1:17.124 which was comfortably ahead of Charles Leclerc's 1:17.746 achieved yesterday.

Vettel also easily edged out second-placed man Lando Norris, the McLaren rookie putting in an impressive effort with McLaren on the ultrasoft compound, just 0.06s off Stoffel Vandoorne's Day 1 fastest lap.

But all eyes were riveted to the Renault #46 and 'Miracle Man' Robert Kubica. It was the 32-year-old's first test behind the wheel of a new-spec car as he attempts an amazing comeback to F1.

After a couple of installation laps, Kubica upped the pace over the course of a series of five-lap runs, improving each time out. A 1:22.701 was eventually left behind as gathered speed and confidence.

A consistent run put him at 1:20.255 before he eventually blasted by with a 1:19.681, which put him P7 before the lunch break but with greatest number of laps of all, with a total of 74.

Kimi Raikkonen took over duties from Vettel and clocked in third fastest, while Carlos Sainz was P4 just ahead of Force India's Lucas Auer.

Pierre Gasly was 8th for Red Bull Racing while newcomer Luca Giotto was P10 on his Williams début. Santino Ferrucci and Nobuharu Matsishita rounded off the timesheet.

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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.

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