FIA blocks F1 test for Red Bull junior Dan Ticktum

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Red Bull's plan of giving its young driver Dan Ticktum a run in an F1 car at the end of the month in Hungary has been opposed by the FIA.

Helmut Marko has been eyeing the 19-year-old, who currently competes in the European F3 Championship, as a potential replacement for Brendon Hartley in 2019.

In order to bring the young charger up to speed, Red Bull planned on running the Brit at F1's in-season test scheduled at the Hungaroring on July 31 and August 1, but the FIA's super-licence rules will preclude Tictum from taking part.

"He drives great races in Formula 3 but has not yet scored the points for the license," Marko told Auto Motor und Sport.

"How are we supposed to bring our young drivers to Formula 1?"

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If Tictum is restricted from running in Hungary, Marko will pencil him in for the end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi.

As a teenager, Tictum made headlines back in 2015 when he was hit with a two-year ban, the second of which was suspended, for deliberately crashing into an MSA Formula championship rival.

Since, the young hopeful has put himself back in gear and rebuilt his career, in no small part thanks to Red Bull and Helmut Marko.

"It's no coincidence that his programme has proven so successful," said Ticktum.

"I think it's his philosophy for young drivers -- urging them to get on with things, and the lessons he gets them to learn.

"I know I'm quick enough and good enough to make F1, but I need to focus on some pieces of the puzzle -- but I'm a lot closer to the finished article," he said.

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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.