Piastri handed F1 test outing with Alpine in Abu Dhabi

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Alpine reserve Oscar Piastri will enjoy a day of running behind the wheel of the French outfit's 2021 F1 car at next week's post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

The two-day test at Yas Marina that will kick off next Tuesday will see teams field a rookie on one day, while entrusting on both days a mule car fitted with next year's 18-inch wheels to one of their regular drivers.

Piastri, who is on course to be crowned FIA Formula 2 Champion next weekend in Abu Dhabi, will thus represent Alpine to which the Aussie is contracted for 2022 as a reserve driver in F1.

"I’m very excited to drive in the young driver test," he said. "It’s almost like my first official day in my new job for next year when I become the team’s reserve driver.

"Any day in an F1 car is pretty special but to drive the current one with other drivers on track in a somewhat competitive environment is very cool.

"Thanks to the team for this opportunity, I’m certainly looking forward to it and working through a very full testing programme on the day."

Read also: Alpine admits to facing potential Alonso-Piastri dilemma for 2023

Piastri, who has tested older-spec F1 machinery in the past, will be involved next year in the development of Alpine's all-new 2022 car through his simulator work at Enstone.

"Oscar has had a fantastic Formula 2 season this year, again showing his class, and this Young Driver Test appearance is well earned," added Alpine boss Laurent Rossi.

"This test will be part of Oscar’s ongoing development as he prepares to become the team’s Reserve Driver for 2022, to aid and assist Fernando and Esteban and our development teams on and off the track."

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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.