'Happy' Leclerc looking to sustain the momentum going forward

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Charles Leclerc declared himself very happy with his first day of testing with Ferrari in 2019, the Monegasque feeling comfortable at the wheel of the Scuderia's impressive SF90.

Leclerc, who put in 15 trouble-free laps around the Circuit de Catalunya, clocked in with a best lap of 1m18.553 that was just 0.392s off Sebastian Vettel's best effort achieved on Monday.

Leclerc and Ferrari remain out of reach on Day 2

"I am very happy with the way today went," said the 21-year-old as he stepped out of his car at the end of the day.

"Despite some red flag interruptions, we were able to get through all our programme and to do 157 laps, which has produced a lot of useful data.

"In terms of feeling, I quickly felt comfortable with the SF90 and I have to say I really enjoyed myself."

The Scuderia's new recruit admitted that his focus on his workload took precedence over his emotions on his first day behind the wheel.

"Emotion? There’s always going to be some when you get into a Ferrari, but today I put that to one side because I had a job to do for the team.

"Let’s hope we keep going like this over the next few days, because it’s important to make the most of the few on-track testing opportunities we have."

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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.