Rio Haryanto joins Formula E test in Valencia

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Indonesia's Rio Haryanto, who raced for Manor in F1 last year, will attend this week's Formula E pre-season test which kicks off in Valencia today.

Haryanto contested 12 races with Manor last season before a lack of funds forced him out of the sport.

While Formula E has confirmed the 21-year-old drivers' presence in Valencia this week, it is not yet known for which team he shall test, or if he will be running in the all-electric series demonstration car.

"I'm really looking forward to my first Formula E test, having watched some of its most exciting wheel-to-wheel battles on TV," Haryanto said on his official Facebook page.

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"Formula E has been providing close competition and with many manufacturers coming onboard, it looks like the championship will continue growing around the world.

"It would be great to see a Formula E race on the streets of Jakarta one day and showcase the future of motorsport and automobile in general."

Other new faces heading to Valencia to sample Formula E for the very first time include Alexander Sims, Edoardo Mortara, James Rossiter, Tom Blomqvist and Michael Benyahia

Valencia's 3.09km configuration will be used, with an additional chicane inserted on the start/finish straight.

Each day of testing will be split into two sessions, with cars running between 9-12 in the morning session and 2-5 in the afternoon.

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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.