AlphaTauri adds Sato to Abu Dhabi F1 test

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AlphaTauri will enter an all-Japanese line-up at next week's young driver test at Abu Dhabi, with F2 charger Marino Sato joining Yuki Tsunoda at Yas Marina.

Sato, who isn't related to former F1 driver and two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato, is a former Euroformula Open champion who raced full time this season with Trident in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, but scored just a single point when he finished eighth in the Mugello sprint race.

"I am extremely happy to be given this opportunity from AlphaTauri to drive an F1 car,e said the 21-year-old Japanese driver.

"We will try to do as many laps as possible to get used to the car quickly and to learn maximum out of it for whatever it comes in future.

"Obviously to be driving an F1 car is the dream of every racing driver, for sure I will enjoy a lot around Abu Dhabi!"

Read also: AlphaTauri confirms Tsunoda for Abu Dhabi young driver test

AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost said he was pleased to welcome Sato to the test considering the "solid job" done by the young gun in F2 this year.

"We are pleased to have Marino Sato on board for the test because he did a solid job throughout the season in F2 this year, so he deserves a run in Formula One," commented Tost.

"We are convinced he can do a good job as he is a skilled driver. The plan for the test is simple, getting him to do as many laps as possible to give him a good feeling for an F1 car.

"This test will be very useful, both for us and for Marino and we will do our best to help him understand how an F1 team operates in all its different aspects.

"In addition, from a technical point of view he will certainly learn something from which he will benefit next year, when he will continue in the F2 Championship.

"I think this is a very good preparation for his future and it’s a pleasure to be part of his development towards what we hope will be a very successful career."

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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.