F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Armstrong hails 'magical' maiden F1 run with Ferrari

Ferrari junior Marcus Armstrong enjoyed his first F1 test on Monday at Fiorano, and it was an unforgettable and "magical" experience for the young Kiwi.

Armstrong took over Ferrari's SF71H from fellow rookie Giuliano Alesi who had sampled the 2018-spec car in the morning.

Despite the chilly conditions, Armstrong was beaming with heated joy after becoming just the second New Zealander in F1 history, after Chris Amon, to saddle a prancing horse.

"Obviously this was a special day in my life and it went exactly as I would have expected," enthused the 20-year-old F2 charger. "That didn’t mean I enjoyed it any the less!

"Being at the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time is always something magical and when the car is a Ferrari, then it’s really unforgettable.

©Ferrari

 

"People always say it’s the braking that is the most impressive aspect and that was the case, but also the aerodynamic downforce, the speed in the corners, the steering, the power and the perfect gear changes are all on a different planet compared to the other racing categories.

"I’d like to thank Ferrari and the FDA for making this day possible and I can’t wait to jump back in a Formula 1 car again in the future."

Robert Shwartzman concluded Ferrari's first day of testing, the Russian adding more F1 mileage to his experience, having previously enjoyed a run with Ferrari's SF71H back in September.

Charles Leclerc will be on his own on Tuesday at Fiorano while Carlos Sainz will make his grand debut with the Scuderia on Wednesday.

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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.

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