Albon, Kubica and Kvyat in action with Pirelli in Barcelona

©Pirelli

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F1 reserve drivers Alex Albon, Dany Kvyat and Robert Kubica will be up and running today and tomorrow at the Circuit de Catalunya as Pirelli continues its 18-inch tyre test program.

The Italian manufacturer is fine-tuning the development of the new tyres that will be introduced next season as part of Formula 1's 2022 regulation changes.

All F1 teams – with the exception of Williams which does not have an available mule car – are taking part in the test program that started at Jerez in February with Ferrari and which will conclude mid-September at Magny Cours.

Red Bull and Alfa Romeo are in action today in Barcelona, with Albon and Kubica, and the test will provide the former with an opportunity to stretch his legs onboard an F1 car as the British-Thai driver hopes for a return to the grid in 2022.

Another driver who hasn't completely given up on his F1 prospects is Dany Kvyat who will take to the track on Wednesday for the very first time with Alpine, albeit onboard a 2019-spec Renault.

Mercedes – which sampled Pirelli's 18-inch tyres at Imola last month – is earmarked for a second test with Pirelli, just days after the Monaco Grand Prix, at the Circuit Paul Ricard.

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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.