Aitken and Markelov on duty for Pirelli tyre tests

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Renault development drivers Jack Aitken and Artem Markelov are tasked with Pirelli tyre testing this week, with the F2 racers running at Suzuka on Tuesday and Wednesday with the French team's R.S.18.

The test is part of Pirelli's development and validation work associated with its 2019 range of compounds.

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As part of its 25-day test programme, each team is called upon over the course of the season to undertake two days of 'blind testing', meaning drivers are not informed of the specific compounds that are fitted to their car.

Aitken, who is Renault's official reserve driver, sampled the outfit's R.S.18 earlier this year when he took part in the Barcelona in-season test back in May. The 23-year-old Brit currently races for ART Grand Prix in the FIA Formula 2 championship.

Markelov was entrusted with an FP1 outing with Renault at Sochi, the 24-year-old Russian aspiring to graduate to F1 next season, possibly as a result of talks with Williams.

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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.