Alesi says 'emotions' were flowing during son's Ferrari run

©Ferrari

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Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi says that watching his son Giuliano enjoy his first outing in an F1 car at Fiorano on Monday was a moment that stirred "a lot of emotions".

Giuliano Alesi kicked off Ferrari's big week of testing at its test track where a total of seven drivers - including Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz - have been given the opportunity to warm up for the 2021 season onboard the Scuderia's 2018-spec SF71H charger.

Alesi rolled out on Monday morning under his father's watchful eye, the Ferrari emblazoned with #28, or the race number used by the veteran Grand Prix driver during his maiden season with the House of Maranello in 1991.

"It came as a surprise to me, I cannot believe he looked into the details like that," a proud Alesi commented.

"I believe I first tested in November 1990, the 15th my fan club tells me, so it is amazing to think that he drove the car with my number 30 years later.

"It was great to see him in a Ferrari – a lot of emotions for me! – but also a feeling of responsibility of not making a mistake as he was the first one to go out and everything was very cold, and others were to drive the car.

"It was not easy for him, but everything went fantastically well, and I felt good for him."

Read also: Leclerc gets back to the grind after COVID seclusion

In his post-test comments, Giuliano Alesi said the run was the perfect way to conclude his residency with the Ferrari Driver Academy which the young F2 racer will now leave.

But the 21-year-old's relationship with the Scuderia is not over according to his father.

"It’s the end for him with the Academy, yes, but not with Ferrari – it is still our family," he said. "That has been very clear from Ferrari."

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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.