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Emotional Leclerc hails 'special' day he had been waiting for

Beyond his performance which saw him top the time sheet of the final day of post-season testing at Abu Dhabi, Charles Leclerc concluded his day with a very special feeling inside.

The young Ferrari star picked up where his 2019 team mate Sebastian Vettel had left off the day before, running through the Scuderia's testing programme while also setting the pace around Yas Marina.

Leclerc comfortably tops final day of post-season testing

But above all, it was a milestone moment for the 21-year-old, who felt that he had officially entered a privileged club, those who have had the honour over the past 68 years to belong to the House of Maranello.

"Of course it was emotional," commented Leclerc.

"Because driving a Ferrari is special and because this was a day I had been waiting for, for so long without being sure if it would ever happen.

"I am pleased about that and with the work we did. We got through all our programme which centred on comparison testing between this and next year’s tyres.

"For me, it was important because I also got to know the team better, although some were no strangers to me given my time with the Ferrari Driver Academy.

"Over the next few weeks, I will work to be in the best possible shape and to learn from everyone in the team and my team-mate. I can’t wait for next season to start…"

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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.