Haas confirms Fittipaldi and Deletraz as test and reserve drivers

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In a rare piece of F1 news unrelated to the global coronavirus crisis, Haas has confirmed young chargers Pietro Fittipaldi and Louis Deletraz as the team's test and reserve drivers.

Both drivers were affiliated with Haas last season, conducting extensive simulator work, while the pair also enjoyed their maiden F1 outing with the US outfit, running at a Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2018.

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Last year, Fittiapldi competed in the German DTM series while Deletraz raced with Charouz Racing System in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

"Naturally, we had intended to make this announcement over the course of the Australian Grand Prix to start the season, but events both there and globally took priority with the on-going COVID-19 outbreak," stated team principal Guenther Steiner.

"Pietro (Fittipaldi) and Louis (Delétraz) have both proven themselves to us over the past 12 months and we’re delighted to confirm them both as official test and reserve drivers for Haas F1 Team.

"Their work in the simulator was undoubtedly of value as we faced our challenges last season and we’re excited to continue to present them with further opportunities to expand their relationship with the team in 2020 when we can return to work.

"I look forward to them adding significant input into our own race program supporting Romain (Grosjean) and Kevin (Magnussen) and the whole engineering team with the Haas VF-20."

Both Fittipaldi and Deletraz are expected to represent Haas in Formula 1's next Virtual Grand Prix event which will take place online on April 5.

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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.