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Girl power to electrify Formula E in-season test at Ad Diriyah!

Don't underestimate the power of women, even if it's of the electric kind, as seven young female racers intend to prove at Formula E's in-season test scheduled after the Ad Diriyah ePrix.

The all-electric series will host the test in Saudi Arabia on December 16, a day after the opening round of the 2018/19 championship, with the local promoter having worked with teams to ensure an exciting female presence.

The day's action will be split between morning and afternoon sessions, with teams running female drivers allowed to run two cars in each session.

2015 British GT4 champion, Jamie Chadwick, will run with the NIO team along with Oliver Turvey, while recently-nominated Venturi test driver Simona de Silvestro will enjoy a full day of running with the Monaco-based outfit.

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The fast moving Tatiana Calderon, who was put through her paces by Sauber last weekend, is included in DS Techeetah's line-up along with Jean-Eric Vergne and André Lotterer.

"When the promoter approached us about the opportunity to offer a test session to a talented female racing driver at the first in-season test, we jumped at the opportunity," said DS Techeetah team boss Mark Preston.

"We immediately started thinking about drivers that would be suitable for the test, and Tatiana was on top of our list.

"She’s incredibly talented and we think she’ll do a stellar job at the test with the experience she is able to bring."

Former Lotus and Renault development driver Carmen Jorda will join Nissan e.dams which has also registered Alexander Albon for the test despite the British-Thai racer still expected to be announced as Toro Rosso's second driver for 2019.

Katherine Legge, who raced in IndyCar, will take part in the test with Mahindra Racing, along with Jerome D'Ambrosio.

BMW i Andretti Motorsport will sample the talent of 23-year old Dutch racer Beitske Visser.

Finally, last but certainly not least, Amna Al Qubaisi, the very first Emirati - and Arab - female racer, will test the waters of Formula E with Envision Virgin Racing which will also run Sam Bird and Robin Frijns at Ad Diriyah.

Needless to say, it should be an interesting day of action on the streets of Ad Diriyah, with the emphasis on diversity but also talent.

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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.