Headrest issue forced Magnussen to hand over VF-19

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Kevin Magnussen's Tuesday run programme with Haas was hampered by a headrest issue that forced the Dane to hand over the VF-19 to Pietro Fittipaldi late in the afternoon.

Magnussen's day had gone according to plan, the 26-year-old putting in a productive 59 laps until he called it a day.

"I was sitting just with my head pointing forwards, so struggling to see," he explained.

"The headrest was too far forward and when you sit like this and you brake, it’s not easy… to drive anymore. That’s something we need to fix.

"An easy fix but we don’t have the parts, we don’t have another headrest to fit, so we need to get that sorted."

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With the third fastest lap on the time-sheet, Magnussen gave an initial thumbs up to his team's sleek VF-19.

"The early impression is that it is feeling good," he said.

"There’s no big issues or inconsistencies and it’s nice to drive, predictable and those are positive things when you jump in a new car – that you don’t jump in and feel uncomfortable… you get in and you feel like at home.

"I’m sure it could be a lot worse than where we are."

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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.