Ferrari hands testing role to Ilott for 2021

©Ferrari

Ferrari junior and 2020 F2 race winner Callum Ilott has been confirmed by the Scuderia as the Italian outfit's test driver for next season.

Ilott finished second in this year's FIA F2 championship behind Mick Schumacher, securing five pole positions and three wins with the UNI-Virtuosi outfit.

The 22-year-old Briton is contemplating a year without racing in 2021, but as a Ferrari Driver Academy member, Ilott will continue to receive the support of the House of Maranello.

"I am very pleased to be joining Scuderia Ferrari as its test driver from next year," said Ilott.

"I look forward to contributing to the work the team does on and off track, and to all of the new things I can learn by taking on this exciting new challenge. I will give my all to do a good job and gain as much experience as possible to continue making progress as a driver.

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"I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy and Scuderia Ferrari for this great opportunity and their support.

"It has been an honour to be part of their programme for the past three years and I am pleased to continue our journey together."

Ilott is no stranger to F1, having tested at Barcelona in 2019 with Alfa Romeo and enjoyed an outing at Fiorano onboard a 2018-spec Ferrari.

Ilott also took part in Tuesday's young driver test in Abu Dhabi, concluding the day at Yas Marina with the eigth fastest time.

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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.