An 'unbelievable' day Alpine junior Caldwell will never forget

©Alpine

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Alpine Academy member Oliver Caldwell made his F1 test debut at Silverstone this week, taking the seat at his home track of the Enstone squad's A521 car.

The 20-year-old charger who currently competes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Campos Racing, complete 587 km of testing across the morning and afternoon.

At the wheel of the former Fernando Alonso 2021 car, Caldwell eased himself into the test by getting the understand his mount in the morning before upping the pace in the afternoon, working closely with Alpine's engineers as he completed the day's run plan.

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"It’s been unbelievable and I’m quite speechless, there’s nothing I could compare it to," said a beaming Caldwell. "It’s everything I expected and more.

"There’s nothing you can do to prepare for how it feels. The car is incomparable to F2, everything is more, there’s more speed, downforce, braking plus there's about 50 more buttons.

"I’ve got used to working much faster in this car and then going back to F2, where obviously it’s slower, I will be able to take forward what I’ve learned from this experience and adapt it when I’m back driving this circuit in a F2 car.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank BWT F1 Alpine Team for allowing me this opportunity, as without them, an experience like this isn’t possible.

"For not only being in the Academy, but to get this opportunity to drive last year’s F1 car. It’s been incredible."

©Alpine

Alpine Academy Project Manager Julian Rouse praised the young gun for his "sensible" approach to the test and feedback.

"Olli did a great job today," said Rouse. "He kept a sensible head and put in a lot of laps, showing maturity on his debut.

"He was committed and gave detailed feedback after each run which allowed him to make some good progress throughout the day.

"Overall a very good approach that shows lots of promise. I'm sure he will be able to put this experience to good use as he moves forward in F2 this season."

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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.