Ocon to join Renault for Abu Dhabi post-season test

Esteban Ocon will officially join Renault at next month's post-season Abu Dhabi test after Mercedes agreed to an early release of its reserve driver from his 2019 contractual obligations.

Earlier this year, Ocon signed a two-year deal with Renault, the 23-year-old replacing Nico Hulkenberg and racing alongside Daniel Ricciardo at the French outfit from 2020.

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After a year on the sidelines, during which he conducted simulator and development work for Mercedes, Ocon - who started his career with Manor in 2016 before racing for Force India for two seasons - is impatient to return to F1 on a full-time basis.

Subsequent to his early release by Mercedes, Ocon will get back to the grind on December 3 at Yas Marina, the Frenchman driving on both days of the Abu Dhabi test.

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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.