Hartley heads to Maranello for Ferrari simulator gig!

To help with its in-season development this syear, Ferrari will rely on four simulator drivers at Maranello, one of which will be Brendon Hartley.

After his first full year of F1, Hartley's contract with Toro Rosso was not renewed at the end of the last season, and alternatives to pursue his career as a Grand Prix driver were nowhere to be found.

Plans to oust Hartley were 'set in motion' at Monaco

However, Ferrari has offered Hartley an opportunity to remain involved with F1 thanks to a simulator role with the Scuderia

The Kiwi won't be the only ex-F1 driver working at Maranello this season as Mahindra Formula E driver Pascal Wehrlein will also be a part - as expected - of Ferrari's simulator squad.

Both men will join Formula 2 racer Antonio Fuoco and Ferrari development driver Davide Rigon.

"Our team has taken on four undoubtedly talented drivers, who possess innate feeling, with a strong understanding of race cars and tracks," said Scuderia boss Matia Binotto.

"These are exactly the qualities required in the skilful role of driving in a simulator, one of the vital pieces of equipment in the Formula 1 of today".

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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.