Schumacher to replace Magnussen in Abu Dhabi FP1

Mick Schumacher will take over Kevin Magnussen's car in Friday's FP1 in Abu Dhabi as the newly signed Haas driver makes his F1 weekend debut.

Schumacher, who clinched the FIA F2 Championship title last weekend in Bahrain, had been due to drive in free practice for Alfa Romeo at the Eifel Grand Prix, but adverse weather led to the cancellation of the Friday morning session.

This week, barring a sandstorm at Yas Marina, Schumacher will enjoy 90 minutes of running with his new team.

"Coming from a weekend like the last one, there’s only very few things to imagine which could be better than winning a championship – but then, having a weekend ahead, being a proper part of a F1 team and getting to drive the FP1 would probably count," said Schumacher.

"I’m still really excited having won the F2 championship, and that excitement doesn’t stop knowing I’ll be with Haas next year, and that I’ll be driving for them for the first time on Friday.

"I’m looking forward to getting to know all of them, getting to understand how they approach and undergo a race weekend and starting this journey together with Haas here in Abu Dhabi.

Read also: Brawn 'optimistic' Schumacher can deliver the goods in F1

"I will soak in everything I can to the maximum, taking this weekend as a preparation for the experience to come next year.

"The good thing is that I don’t have to be concerned about the weather this time, so I am confident I will go out during FP1, and I am very much looking forward to sharing the track with such great drivers."

On the other side of Haas' garage, Pietro Fittipaldi will enjoy his second race with the US outfit, filling in for Romain Grosjean whose final season in F1 will have ended prematurely unfortunately for the Frenchman following his horror crash in Bahrain last month.

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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.