Ferrari to get a head's start on 2019 with early test run

Ferrari will use an authorized filming day to shake down its 2019 charger a day before pre-season testing officially begins in Barcelona on February 18.

The Scuderia will pull the covers off its car during an online presentation scheduled at Maranello on February 15 before hauling its equipment to the Circuit de Catalunya.

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Teams are allowed two filming day, or promotional events, in a single calendar year, with running restricted to a maximum distance of 100km for each day.

Furthermore, cars must be fitted only with specific demonstration tyres supplied by Pirelli.

While brief and limited in performance, filming day or promotional runs are a good opportunity for an outfit to test a new car's systems and ensure their correct operation in order not to lose any valuable track time if a problem arises when testing kicks off the following day.

Check out here our calendar of events and team launches for 2019.

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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.