Ticktum hails 'big step' with Red Bull after maiden run in F1

©RedBull

Red Bull junior Dan Ticktum labeled his maiden run in an F1 car as a "big step" in his career, and a useful day of work for the Milton Keynes-based team.

Ticktum was among Wednesday's marathon runners in Bahrain on the final day of the in-season test, with the rookie putting 135 laps under his belt or the equivalent of a double race distance onboard Red Bull Racing's RB15.

"I learned a lot today and my first time in a modern F1 car was a big step," said Ticktum who is racing this year in the Japanese Super Formula series.

"I think the biggest thing was learning the procedures. There’s a lot of settings to use, a lot to do on the steering wheel, even on a push lap, which isn’t the case in the junior formula.

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"That was quite a lot to take in at the start – but I got used to it pretty quickly.

"It was also interesting having a garage full of people. It brings home that there’s a massive responsibility on the driver to deliver not just for himself and his engineers but for a whole Team."

©RedBull

Ticktum's day went smoothly and included aero and set-up work and long runs, all of which contributed to the team's development programme.

The rookie was nevertheless a bit unsettled by a minor issue encountered in the closing stages of the afternoon session.

"I had a little issue on my last tyre run which stopped me from going about seven or so tenths faster.

"I’m a little bit annoyed about that but it’s not what this day is about, it’s about gathering data. In that respect it’s good.

"We did some long runs and I had a good opportunity to gain an understanding of how these tyres work.

"Fitness is absolutely fine. I’ve prepared quite a lot since January. The last three or four months have been pretty flat out and that’s helped. The neck wasn’t too bad either.

"All in all, I’d say the test went well today."

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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.