Sauber and Toro Rosso chargers hit the track!

One has already unveiled its 2018 contender while the other will pull the covers off its car next Monday, but both Sauber and Toro Rosso went for a spin this morning.

The Swiss outfit which presented its C37 yesterday took to the Circuit de Catalunya for its de rigueur shake down conducted with the rules governing F1's 'film days', when teams are allowed 100km of mileage on control tyres.

Marcus Ericsson was apparently the first driver to sample the C37, with Charles Leclerc waiting in the wings for a stint of his own.

Over in Italy, Toro Rosso put its STR13 through its initial paces, posting a short teaser which showed a very vague reflection of the Faenza squad's new car.

Mercedes and Ferrari will be on deck tomorrow, followed by McLaren on Friday. And everyone will come together on February 26 for the launch of pre-season testing.

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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.