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Sainz 'willing' to join Abu Dhabi post-season test - with Ferrari

Carlos Sainz says the FIA's decision to open the post-season young drivers test in Abu Dhabi to experienced drivers means he is willing to take part, with new team Ferrari.

The December 15 test caters to young drivers holding an International A licence but who have not competed in more than two Grands Prix. But Renault successfully requested an exemption to allow it to run new recruit Fernando Alonso.

Furthermore, Alfa Romeo and Red Bull will also field cars for experienced drivers Robert Kubica and Sebastien Buemi, respectively.

Sainz sees no reason why he shouldn't be allowed to take part in the one-day test with his 2021 team, Ferrari.

"I'm willing to test for Ferrari," said Sainz. "I think it's no secret, especially now that the hand has been opened a bit by the FIA for drivers that are not rookies, or not young drivers, to test, I don't see why the FIA wouldn't open the hand a bit also to all the drivers."

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As things currently stand, the Scuderia is planning on giving mileage at Yas Marina to Robert Shwartzman and Antonio Fuoco, two members of its driver academy.

Teams will be allowed to field two cars in the test and Sainz says his presence would not be to the detriment of either junior driver.

"Personally, I wouldn't take any young driver out of the seat," said the Spaniard.

"I think Callum, Mick and Robert Shwartzman, I think they are still going to test, so if I jump into a Ferrari, I'm not going to not allow them to test, they're going to still be testing.

"I think Ferrari is one of the teams that are promoting young drivers the most right now.

"So I don't see why I shouldn't also get the chance to test. I don't know what's going to happen to be honest, I don't know what is the FIA's decision, but you can tell that I'm going to try and be there as much as I can."

Sainz did not reveal whether Ferrari had actually asked the FIA if it could run its new driver in the test.

"I'm not going to say what we are going to do," he said. "But I'm telling you that I'm very willing to be on that Abu Dhabi test, especially because my contract allows me to do so."

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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.