Daruvala to resume testing with McLaren at Portimao

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Jehan Daruvala tested for McLaren last month at Silverstone and will undertake another two days of testing with the papaya squad on Monday and Tuesday at Portimao.

It's unclear why McLaren has granted the Indian racer several outings onboard its 2021 MCL35M as the 23-year-old is supported by Red Bull.

But the tests are perhaps part of a personal programme set up by Daruvala.

McLaren's test team has been on site at Portimao since last week where it ran IndyCar star Colton Herta and sim driver Will Stevens.

"My first taste of Formula 1 machinery was surreal and I can’t wait to get back in the car again in Portimao," commented Daruvala.

Read also: McLaren 'quite impressed' with Herta's professional approach

"I came away from the Silverstone test with a lot of confidence as both from a driving and physical perspective I did well and covered more than two race distances absolutely trouble-free.

"My dream has always been to race in Formula 1 and this test will build on what we achieved at Silverstone."

A three-time winner in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in which he has raced since 2020, Daruvala currently sits fourth in the series standings with Prema Racing.

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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.