Renault drafts in Markelov for Abu Dhabi test

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Renault Sport F1 development driver Artem Markelov will take part in next week's post-season Pirelli tyre test with the works Renault outfit.

The 24-year-old Russian will run on Wednesday, the second day of the test while the French team's regular driver Nico Hulkenberg will be on duty on Tuesday.

For the Pirelli test, Renault was hoping to secure the services of Daniel Ricciardo, who will join the outfit in 2019, but Red Bull refused to release the Aussie for next week's two-day test.

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Markelov drove for Renault at last summer's in-season test in Hungary and more recently in a Pirelli test in Suzuka.

The Russian also enjoyed an outing with the team at Sochi when he replaced Carlos Sainz in the Russian GP's opening free practice session.

Markelov, who is set to complete his fifth season in F2 at Abu Dhabi, is believed to be facing an uncertain future in motorsport following his father's legal woes in Russia.

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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.