Pressed for time, Williams scraps FW42 shakedown run!

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Williams won't be taking advantage of a filming day this weekend in Barcelona to shakedown its new FW42 as the team is still completing the new car's build-up.

The Grove-based outfit had scheduled a run at the Circuit de Catalunya this weekend, but has opted instead to focus on the diligent build-up of its 2019 charger.

"As anyone would expect, we have had an extremely aggressive engineering programme over the winter," said deputy team principal Claire Williams.

"As such, we have taken the decision not to run our car during our filming day this weekend in order to allow the team to maximise the time at the factory before we head to Barcelona for the first day of the test on February 18th."

Renault may not be ready in time for testing debut!

Williams is the second team to be pressed for time ahead of pre-season testing which kicks off in Barcelona on Monday, as Renault's own shakedown plans for Saturday are in jeopardy.

The French outfit cited timing constraints and a delay in parts supply that could delay the debut of its new R.S.19 contender.

Formula 1's regulation changes coupled with teams' extending last year the development and design phases of their cars have clearly put time at a premium during this year's launch season.

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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.