Mazepin gets Force India VJM11 roll-out privilege

©ForceIndia

Force India junior Nikita Mazepin will have the privilege of taking to the track first onboard the team's new VJM11 in Barcelona next Monday.

The Silverstone-base outfit will unveil its 2018 car next Monday morning, on the Barcelona pitlane, before starting its test programme with the 18-year-old Russian who has enjoyed several outings with Force India in the past two years.

Mazepin will spend a day in the new car before handing duties over to Esteban Ocon on Tuesday.

Latifi handed FP1 outing with Force India

Sergio Perez is scheduled to take over on Wednesday while the Silverstone-based team's new reserve driver, Nicholas Latifi will conclude the first week in Barcelona on Thursday.

Perez and Ocon will be on their own for the second week of pre-season testing which runs from March 6 to 9.

Force India has yet to announce when its 2018 VJM11 shall be publicly unveiled.

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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.