Ocon shakes down Alpine A521 at Silverstone

©Alpine

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Alpine's Esteban Ocon was in action at Silverstone on Wednesday as the French outfit undertook a filming day at the British track to shake down its 2021 car.

Ocon was limited to a 100km run on control tyres per F1's "filming day" rules, but the Frenchman nevertheless completed 16 trouble free laps of Silverstone's 5.89km Grand Prix circuit.

And the 24-year-old was left was a good first impression of his new Renault-powered Alpine A521.

"It was really good fun today," commented the 24-year-old. "First of all, it was nice to get in the car again at a track like Silverstone as that’s always something special.

"The car felt nice to drive for the first time and we managed to get through our programme as planned.

Read also: Ocon aims to carry 'strong' 2020 momentum into new season

"There was a bit of a delay this morning with the fog, but once that cleared, the track was dry and that made the running very enjoyable. I wish I could drive for more than 100km, but that’s the limit, and I leave here with a smile on my face.

"We want to take that into Bahrain next week when conditions will be more representative with the race tyres and some heat.

"All in all, it was a very interesting day and I can’t wait to discover more about the car. I have to say, I love the new colours. It’s the best-looking car on the grid!"

Fernando Alonso was not present at Silverstone as the Spaniard was unable to travel to the UK due to enforced COVID-19 restrictions.

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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.