Norris a novice Down Under, but ready for the big time

©McLaren

McLaren's Lando Norris will face a double challenge in Melbourne, kickstarting his career in F1 and doing it at a venue he has yet to discover, but the sport's youngest driver heads Down Under well prepared.

Norris racked up the miles during pre-season testing in Barcelona, unhindered by any major issues as he added to his knowledge.

But the prospect of lining up on next Sunday's grid will mark a significant milestone form the McLaren charger.

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"This weekend marks the start of an important new chapter in my career," said the 19-year-old.

"I'm excited to be making my Formula 1 debut and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

"There are plenty of new procedures for me to get used to as I step up from F2, so the two weeks at pre-season testing were valuable as they allowed me to fully prepare for this weekend."

©RedBull

Norris' only experience of the 5.3km Albert Park circuit has been of the virtual kind, but groundwork for Melbourne also included many technical briefings with McLaren's engineers.

"This will be my first-time visiting Australia, so it'll be cool to see a new country," he said.

"I've spent a lot of time preparing for the race in the simulator back at the factory; there are a few new circuits for me to learn this year.

"Since leaving Barcelona, I've spent a lot of time working with engineers and making my final preparations before taking to the track in Melbourne.

"I feel ready and I'm looking forward to working with Carlos and the team as we take on the 2019 season together."

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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.