David Schumacher joins Formula 1's Virtual GP Series

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The Schumacher name will be back in F1 this weekend, albeit in the virtual world, with F3 racer David Schumacher joining the entry list for Sunday's online Dutch Grand Prix.

The 19-year-old son of six-time F1 winner Ralf Schumacher will be racing in the fourth round of F1's official Esports series with BWT Racing Point F1 alongside sim racer Jimmy Broadbent.

"I’m really excited to be competing in the fourth F1 Virtual Grand Prix with BWT Racing Point F1 Team," said David who raced last year in the Formula Regional European Championship.

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"I haven’t had much experience of virtual racing – it’s mostly just been with some friends and a regular games controller so far!

“I’m preparing a lot at the moment, driving a couple of hours at least every day, so hope I can get the best out of it and compete nonetheless. I’m sure it’ll be good fun either way."

Sunday's virtual Dutch Grand Prix will actually take place at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit as Zandvoort has not yet been officially integrated into F1's game platform.

©Codemasters/F1

Saturday's online race will feature as usual a healthy selection of F1 drivers led by two-time Virtual GP winner Charles Leclerc.

The Ferrari charger will be joined by Red Bull's Alexander Albon, Alfa Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi, Williams teammates Nicholas Latifi and George Russell, and a host of other pro-drivers and celebrity sportsmen, including 2003 WRC champion Petter Solberg, cricketer Ben Stokes and AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli.

Unfortunately, McLaren's Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz aren't included in the entry list for this weekend's race.

The 28-lap Interlagos online event will kick off at 5pm UK time (1om EST - 6pm CET) and will be streamed live on F1's YouTube channel.

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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.