Kubica on duty again in FP1 session with Alfa Romeo

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Robert Kubica will enjoy his third FP1 outing in five races on Friday at Silverstone, the Polish driver taking over Antonio Giovinazzi's Alfa Romeo for the morning practice session.

Kubica put mileage under his belt during free practice for the Styrian and Hungarian Grands Prix, the Alfa Romeo squad relying on the 35-year-old's valuable technical feedback to help it improve its troubled C39.

"I am happy to get back behind the wheel in this busy early part of the season," Kubica said. "Driving an F1 car is always special, but even more so in a place like Silverstone.

"The track has so much history and it’s one that tests both driver and machine: it’s one of the great venues of motorsport and driving around here, even without the fans, gives you such a buzz.

"My main focus, however, remains towards helping the team develop the car."

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So far this season, Alfa has scored just one top-ten finish, courtesy of Giovinazzi in Austria, while neither the Italian nor his experienced teammate Kimi Raikkonen have succeeded in getting through to Q2 in qualifying.

"I am pleased to see Robert returning to the car this weekend," said team boss Fred Vasseur.

"His feedback has been of the highest quality in his previous outings and his work is proving really valuable for the team, both when he is in the car and during our engineering meetings.

"Robert knows Silverstone inside out and I am sure he will help us make a step forward as the season progresses."

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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.