Hamilton to visit MotoGP in Qatar - and ride again later this year

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Lewis Hamilton may enjoy more two-wheel outings this year, spurred on by what he sees at the MotoGP Qatar race next weekend.

The F1 star has never denied his infatuation with big bikes, collaborating with MV Agusta on the design of two of its fierce-looking 'LH' models, or enjoying the occasional track test as he did last December when he rode a works Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike at Jerez.

Hamilton admitted however that he had no intention of crossing over into the world of two wheels. He will visit Qatar with the aim of "learning a little bit" before indulging in another outing later in the year.

Wolff stunned by Hamilton's Jerez superbike test

"I’ve always been in love with the bike, I’m really excited," said the Mercedes driver last week in Barcelona.

"I’m not going to see the whole race, I don’t think, but I’m really intrigued to just go and see how the riders operate, how different qualifying is compared to our qualifying, the feedback they are working on.

"I’ll be using it as an experience to learn a little bit. But don’t read too much into that, I’m too old to do MotoGP. I’m not bounce-proof like young Marquez!

"But I’ll still have some fun at some point in the year.

"When I did the Superbike I wasn’t able to get to full throttle the same as the Superbike riders,” added Hamilton. "So there’s a lot to learn.

"It’s a completely different style of riding compared to driving. But it’s an exciting one to learn."

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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.