Williams' Latifi gearing up for F1 debut… online!

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Williams rookie Nicholas Latifi will finally make his F1 debut this weekend, albeit in the virtual world when the Canadian takes part in Sunday's online Bahrain Grand Prix.

Formula 1 announced on Friday its Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series, which will see a selection of regular F1 drivers and special guests race against each other in online events that will replace F1's cancelled and postponed races.

Latifi was among the first to respond to the sport's initiative, posting a "Let's go racing!" message on Twitter.

On his website, Latifi offered some insight into his travels back from F1's cancelled Australian GP and into his activities while in self-isolation at home in Toronto.

"I wasn’t expecting to be sat in Toronto at this stage of the season but, as we all know, the situation with coronavirus has forced a few plans to be changed," lamented the 24-year-old.

"The positive is I’m now spending some time with my family at home. I left Australia after the GP was postponed and flew east back to Canada. I think I’ve pretty much flown full circle around the world since I took off from London to travel to Melbourne!

"As with the rest of the people in the F1 paddock, I’m currently self-isolating and doing my bit to limit the spread of the virus. My family are doing the same also."

F1 launches 'Virtual Grand Prix Series' to replace postponed races!

The Williams charger isn't expecting to battle for top honors online on Sunday but was looking forward to the fun.

"It’s important to keep busy in this situation, so I’ve been making the most of the opportunity to do lots of training in my gym, watching movies and doing some home gaming," Latifi added.

"I have a sim station at home in Canada that my younger brother’s been kindly keeping warm for me while I’m in Europe.

"I’ve been working to get that properly set up so I can hopefully take part in some of the upcoming eSports races. I’ll probably get my butt kicked, but it should be a lot of fun."

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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.