Aitken on the move with Renault with reserve driver role

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Formula 2 racer Jack Aitken could not be more pleased with his nomination as Renault F1's third and reserve driver for 2018.

The British-Korean driver, who joined the French manufacturer's young driver programme in 2016, was handed his new title at Enstone yesterday, at the launch of Renault's new R.S.18 car.

"It feels amazing to take up the role as Third and Reserve Driver," said the 22-year-old.

"It hasn’t quite processed yet, but I’m going to step up my involvement with the team quite a lot. Over the first Barcelona test, it will start to feel real and sink in a little bit more."

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Aitken, who finished runner-up to Mercedes protégé George Russell in last year's GP3 series, will combine a campaign in the FIA F2 Championship with ART Grand Prix with his Renault duties.

These will include development work alongside Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz, and test and development driver Artem Markelov who joins Renault for 2018.

"The role gives me an opportunity to be closer to Nico and Carlos and learn from them, as well as observing the race team, the engineers and how everything operates, said Aitken.

"Of course, if I’m required, I’d be happy to jump in the car, but I hope it’s all fine with Nico and Carlos! At the moment, it will be about continuing my development."

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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.