Alfa Romeo hands Ilott reserve role and Portimão FP1 outing

©AlfaRomeo

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Alfa Romeo has handed Callum Ilott a Friday practice outing at Portimão this week to celebrate the Ferrari Driver Academy member's signing as the Swiss outfit's second reserve driver for 2021.

Ilott, who tested for Alfa Romeo in 2019 and at the end of last year in Abu Dhabi, will share reserve duties with Robert Kubica whose F1 schedule overlaps on a few weekends with other motorsport commitments, including his participation in the European Le Mans Series with LMP2 outfit WRT.

Ilott finished runner-up to Mick Schumacher in the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship, but the 22-year-old Briton abstained from a third season in the feeder series, leaving him to focus on his testing duties with Ferrari and a reserve role with Alfa Romeo.

©Ferrari

"I am really happy to be joining the team for this season and I’d like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they have put in me," said Ilott.

"The two sessions I had with the team in the last two years have been extremely useful in getting me accustomed to the way a Formula 1 team works and I am confident I can hit the ground running in my new role as one of the reserve drivers at Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN.

"I can’t wait to be in the car and help the team continue its progress."

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Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur added: "I am delighted to welcome Callum to our team: his journey through the junior series has been an impressive one and he is without doubt one of the most talented young drivers coming through the ranks.

"He has worked with us before, each time leaving a lasting impression thanks to his work ethic and good feedback, and I have no doubt he will be a very positive addition to Robert Kubica, who will be unavailable on various occasions due to his other racing programmes.

"Callum will have a busy programme and we can’t wait to see him on track again this weekend."

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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.