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Leclerc and Sainz set to hit the track at Fiorano

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will take to the track at Fiorano this week as Ferrari kicks into gear for 2022 with several days of private testing.

While work continues on the Scuderia's 2022 challenger, whose project code name is '674' and which will break cover on February 17, Leclerc and Sainz will stretch their legs onboard last year's SF21 while their respective crews will also come together for the warm-up sessions on home ground.

"Charles will be on track on Wednesday, followed by Carlos the next day," stated Ferrari.

"It will be an opportunity for them to meet up with the team once again, go through all the procedures and drive a Formula 1 car.

Read also: Ferrari impressed with 'good learner' Sainz's integration

"The last time both drivers got behind the wheel was at the Yas Marina test, the week following the final race of last season.

"On that occasion, they drove a mule car fitted with the 18-inch wheels to prepare for 2022."

Pitching in for the preparations, Ferrari's new test driver Robert Shwartzman, who drove for the Scuderia at last month's young drivers' test in Abu Dhabi, will also be in action, starting and rounding off this week's proceedings.

But the Scuderia won't be the only team getting a head start on pre-season testing, with AlphaTauri conducting a private a three-day test at Imola with Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, who will both be at the wheel of the Faenza squad's 2021 AT02.

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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.