Red Bull unveils Alex Albon's DTM Ferrari ride

©RedBull

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Red Bull has unveiled the AlphaTauri liveried Ferrari 488 GT3 that Alex Albon will race in this year's DTM series.

The Red Bull Racing reserve driver will share the car fielded by AF Corse with Nick Cassidy while fellow Kiwi Liam Lawson will run a full season in the other Ferrari Red Bull cockpit.

"DTM is a great series with highly talented drivers in the field and exciting racing," says Albon.

"I’ve only driven a ‘tin top’ once back in 2015 when I was nominated for the Autosport BRDC Young Driver award, and they’re really different to single seaters.

"There’s a lot less downforce and the tires are very different, so it requires a different kind of driving style.

"It will take a bit of time to get used to, but I'm looking forward to a new racing challenge when I’m available outside of my existing F1 commitments."

©RedBull

AF Corse team boss and owner Amato Ferrari, a man with a predestined name who has steered his outfit to multiple wins and titles in the World Endurance Championship, says the credit for hetting the Italian outfit involved in the DTM goes to series boss Gerhard Berger.

"This challenge started thanks to Gerhard Berger, the idea is his," he said. "In a short time, we have reached the agreement to work with Red Bull with great enthusiasm.

"We have just one ambition: victory. Considering the brands involved, all the requirements are there to aspire to be successful."

Read also: Horner impressed by Albon 'resilience and class' amid struggles

Gerhard Berger is overseeing this season the DTM's switch to high-powered GT sports cars based on global GT3 regulations.

"Both Red Bull and Ferrari are leading global players that represent absolute success in the world of motorsports and beyond," said the former Grand Prix driver.

"We are very delighted to unite these two top brands in a unique project in the DTM, where they will join forces in the effort to win the prestigious championship.”

"The unprecedented collaboration of the three high-class drivers is particularly promising: Formula 1 driver and podium finisher Alex Albon, GT professional and multiple race-winner Nick Cassidy and young talent Liam Lawson in one team – it is the perfect mix, which will keep the excitement level high in the upcoming DTM season."

The DTM series will include a nine-round, eighteen race schedule that will kick at Monza on June 19.

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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.