Norris sees double header format as 'interesting challenge'

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McLaren's Lando Norris is raring to get back up to speed in F1's real world and sees the opening two races in Austria as both a challenge and an opportunity.

Formula 1 will finally kick off its delayed 2020 next weekend in Austria where teams will take up a two-week residency at the Red Bull Ring.

The venue's double-header format - a first in the history of F1 - has come about as a result of the sport's forced hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic and the requirement to compress this year's campaign in order to schedule the maximum number of races.

©McLaren

"I can't wait to get back into a Formula 1 car, it’s been a long time coming!" said Norris in McLaren's Austrian Grand Prix preview.

"This break has been the longest I’ve ever taken since I started racing at seven years old, I’m really looking forward to it.

"I’ve been working hard throughout this period away from track to stay sharp and ready to go racing again. I’ve been training at home a lot and spending plenty of time on my simulator.

"I’ve also managed to get some karting and F3 sessions in with Carlos over the last few weeks to help get race ready as best I can."

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Norris admits that racing twice on the same track on consecutive weekends is an intriguing prospect.

"I’m pleased we’re getting started again in Austria, it’s a great, fast, track and we performed well there last year," he added.

"It will be an interesting challenge to race there two weekends in a row, but also a great opportunity to analyse how the first race could have panned out differently and adjust our strategy for the second.

"I expect all of the grid will be feeling a bit rusty going into FP1, but I’m sure we’ll all be back up to speed when it comes to qualifying on Saturday.

"It will be a real shame not to have the fans at the track as we feel their support, but safety is the priority and we’ll be doing everything we can to give them a good show."

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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.