Alfa Romeo hands development role to Juan Manuel Correa

Alfa Romeo Racing has announced that 19-year-old Juan Manuel Correa has joined the F1 outfit as a development driver.

The young Ecuadorian-American who raced in the GP3 Series last year with Jenzer Motorsport has stepped up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship this season with the Sauber Junior Team, a position that logically linked him to Hinwil company's F1 efforts.

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"We are happy to announce that Juan Manuel Correa has joined Alfa Romeo Racing," said Alfa Romeo team boss Frédéric Vasseur.

"Juan Manuel will be taking on a new challenge with our Team as our Development Driver and we look forward to further advancing his skills in support of his progress as a racing driver."

Correa, who started his single-seater career in the Germany and Italian F4 championships with the Prema Powerteam, was obviously delighted to be handed an opportunity to showcase his skills with Alfa Romeo Racing.

"To have received this opportunity, and to be a part of such an iconic team and brand in motorsports, Formula 1 in particular, is a privilege for any driver," said the young American.

"I will do my best to honor the opportunity I have been given and want to thank Fred and the entire Alfa Romero Racing Team for having me. I’m excited for what the future has to hold."

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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.