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Former Ferrari Driver Academy boss compares Leclerc to Alonso

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Massimo Rivola, the former head of Ferrari's Driver Academy, is confident Charles Leclerc will be given a fair chance to win at the Scuderia this season.

After an impressive maiden season in F1 with Sauber, Leclerc was chosen to replace Kimi Raikkonen at Maranello and race alongside Sebastian Vettel in 2019.

Many view the line-up as a redoubtable association but also a potential source of disruption for Vettel given the high expectations surrounding Leclerc.

Andretti unsure if it's 'the right moment' for Leclerc

Rivola was at the helm of Ferrari's Driver Academy from 2016 to the end of last year, having since joined the Aprilia MotoGP squad, but the Italian oversaw Leclerc's progression and his move to a race seat with the Scuderia.

"I believe and hope that Ferrari will give both the same opportunities, and that the best will prevail," Rivola told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There is no doubt that 2019 is considered an apprenticeship for Charles, but you can be sure that he will try to win right away."

Assessing Leclercl's talent, Riviola believes the 21-year-old Monegasque is more like a young Fernando Alonso than Vettel.

"I had the opportunity to work with Sebastian when he debuted in Toro Rosso, and with Alonso in his debut season in Minardi," said Rivola.

"It is Fernando with the same anger as Charles in qualifying, and the same ability to always show amazing results," he added.

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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.