Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsForce India

Celis impresses on Force India debut

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Force India's 19-year-old development driver Alfonso Celis was entrusted with putting himself and the team's new VJM09 through its paces yesterday, clocking in 58 laps and setting a highly impressive fifth time on soft tyres in the afternoon.

During the course of the entire session, the Mexican hopeful, who made his debut with Force India last November in Abu Dhabi, executed his workload perfectly, never putting a foot wrong and was beaming with joy at the end of the day over his own performance and that of his mount.

"It was a big honour to be the first to drive the car," enthused Celis.

"It was only my second day in an F1 car, but I was able to enjoy the experience more than last time because I knew what to expect and I had a bit more confidence."

"The car was perfect and I want to say a big ‘well done’ to everybody in the team for all their work over the winter to deliver this car.

"We managed to work through the whole plan with good reliability. I could not think of a better way to start the season and I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car on Thursday."

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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.