Ilott to return to Alfa Romeo for Abu Dhabi test

Alfa Romeo Racing has included Ferrari junior Callum Ilott in its young driver line-up that will test in Abu Dhabi on December 15th.

Ilott was initially scheduled to enjoy an FP1 outing with Haas at last month's Eifel Grand Prix. But adverse weather conditions at the Nürburgring washed out the Friday session and quashing the young Britons' F1 debut.

But Alfa has offered Ilott an opportunity to put more F1 mileage under his belt at the Yas Marina post-season test.

"I am really looking forward to being in the car again in Abu Dhabi and I am grateful to Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and the Ferrari Driver Academy for this opportunity," said the 22-year-old.

"Any chance to drive a Formula One car is important: it’s a way to grow my experience, not just in the cockpit, but also working with the team: the engineers and crew are among the best in the world and there is so much to learn from them, so I am going to make it count."

Read also: Williams to run Aitken and Nissany at Abu Dhabi test

Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN team boss Fred Vasseur said: "Callum is one of the most promising young drivers coming through the ranks, as his performance in F2 has shown this year.

"He was unlucky to miss out on a chance to show his ability last month, when FP1 was called off at the Nürburgring, so he thoroughly deserves his outing with the team in Abu Dhabi.

"His attitude and work ethic have left a very positive impression with the team when he tested with us last year and testing with him in Abu Dhabi is something we are really looking forward to."

Ilott is currently second in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, 22 points behind leader Mick Schumacher, ahead of next week's final two rounds of the series in Bahrain.

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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.