Albon gets first taste of F1 with Toro Rosso shakedown

Formula 1 rookie Alexander Albon got his first run in a Grand Prix car today at Misano where Scuderia Toro Rosso shook down its 2019-spec STR14.

The Faenza-base squad revealed its new Honda-powered charger on Monday and used one of its two allocated filming days to check its cars systems before the team haeds to Barcelona for pre-season testing.

While Albon has conducted extensive testing in Toro Rosso's simulator, the British-Thai racer had yet to get behind the wheel of an F1 car.

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The 22-year-old recently admitted that he was facing a steep learning curve in F1, both in terms of performance relative to Formula 2 in which he raced last year, and in terms of working environments.

"I’ll get four days of testing in Barcelona before Melbourne so we don’t have a lot of driving," said Albon.

“The main focus is to be comfortable in the car and get up to speed as quickly as possible.

“In terms of my personal preparation, I’ll try not to put too much pressure on myself and give it everything I have from day one.

“It’s my opportunity this year to show everyone what I’ve got.”

Toro Rosso released a short clip on Twitter of Daniil Kvyat putting in his first laps onboard STR14.

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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.