Dan Ticktum banking on Red Bull F1 test in 2019

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Red Bull junior Dan Ticktum hopes he'll be given an opportunity to test with Red Bull later this year, ahead of a possible graduation to F1 in 2020.

The two-time Macau Grand Prix winner was initially earmarked for a run with Red Bull Racing at last year's in-season test in Hungary, but a lack of points to secure F1's mandatory superlicence prevented Ticktum from testing.

Since, the 19-year-old hopeful's results have earned him enough points and the precious pass to F1.

Ticktum, who will be racing in the Japanese Super Formula series this year, drove an old-spec Red Bull RB7 at the Suzuka fan festival last weekend, and the thrilling experience only revived his ambitions of becoming a Grand Prix driver.

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"Last weekend was a lot of fun and big privilege to be asked by my employer to represent them in a showrun," Ticktum said. "So I was very happy to take [that] on and all went well.

"Hopefully I’ll be able to test the RB15 at some point this year. Nothing is confirmed at the moment, but maybe. I’m hoping that I will test and it will be a very good opportunity.

"I try to keep doing my job and if I connect myself properly here [in Super Formula] then I keep the boss happy and then maybe he’ll give me the opportunity to drive his car this year."

As he chases his dream, Ticktum admitted he needs to get his mind off F1 and focused on his upcoming Super Formula campaign.

"I think I’m just so focused on getting [to F1] to be honest. Something I think about it too much," he added.

"Everyone is always asking, ‘what do you want to achieve when you are there?’ But first I need to have a very good year here, and then I want to get into F1.

"Most likely I’ll have an opportunity maybe with Toro Rosso. Then from there you never know what will happen, but I just keep trying to do the best I can.

"So I think now this year I’ll try to focus as much as possible on trying to finish well in Super Formula first."

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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.