Alfa Romeo and Raikkonen enjoy 'positive' shakedown... thanks to Giovinazzi!

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Kimi Raikkonen shook down Alfa Romeo Racing's 2019-spec car on Thursday at Fiorano in a maiden run that team boss Fred Vasseur described as "positive".

The Hinwil squad covered 33 laps of Ferrari's 2.9 km test track which was the maximum it was allowed to achieve under F1's filming day restrictions.

The team kicked off its shakedown a little later than expected as its car was apparently missing a few crucial parts that were eventually collected by Raikkonen's team mate Antonio Giovinazzi at the airport and brought to Fiorano. So it looks like team orders are already in force at Alfa Romeo!

Alfa Romeo goes for bold shakedown livery in Fiorano!

"We ran the 2019 car for the first time and were able to assess the progress we have made in our development ahead of the first tests in Barcelona next week," said Vasseur.

"The whole team is pushing to start the season with the best possible base.

"Our drivers and crew are motivated, and we look forward to heading into the championship and delivering a strong performance."

Alfa Romeo ran its 2019 charger in a striking black livery emblazoned with a heart and Quadrifiglio shamrock motif.

Technical director Simone Resta was on hand to supervise the test of the new chassis, declaring that all procedures went according to plan.

"After a long winter we are happy to be on track with our new car for the first time," said the former Ferrari man.

"The focus of our work today was on aerodynamic, set-up and cooling checks. We ran for a total of 33 laps and will use our data to establish how the new regulations will affect the behaviour of our car.

"The next two weeks which we will spend in Barcelona will be busy and will concentrate on proving the car’s reliability and performance."

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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.