Mazepin hails 'incredible' day in which he delivered 'consistently

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Formula 2 racer Nikita Mazepin says he enjoyed an "incredible" day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya where the young Russian delivered an impressive performance for Mercedes.

Mazepin, who is currently undergoing a private test programme with the German outfit, running at various venues with a 2017-spec car, was assigned a full day of running in Barcelona onboard the team's invincible W10.

The 20-year-old ran diligently through the team's programmes and set the fastest lap overall lap during his final performance run of the day.

Mercedes rookie Mazepin ends Barcelona test on top!

"Today was incredible," said a beaming Mazepin. "Being a part of this team, even just for this day was very special for me.

"It's every young driver's dream to drive a car like this and today mine came true, so I'm really happy.

"Importantly it was a successful day on track too, we gathered most of the data we set out to collect, we didn't encounter any problems and from my side I felt I could deliver consistently throughout the day - which is important for the team.

"In the afternoon we were competitive on the performance runs and the car felt great. Everyone in the team is working so hard and you can feel that when you sit in this car."

Mercedes sporting director Ron Meadows was full of praise for Mazepin's contribution and execution.

"It's been another successful day here in Barcelona and we managed to complete all of the programme we had planned.

"We spent the first three quarters of the day focused on aerodynamic and Power Unit development testing, before switching to one-lap performance runs, working through the different specifications of the tyre with Nikita.

"He did a really superb job today, just as we expected he would."

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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.