Alonso to join Aston Martin for Abu Dhabi post-season test

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Aston Martin 2023 recruit Fernando Alonso will enjoy his first outing with his new team at F1's post-season tyre test next month in Abu Dhabi.

The two-day Pirelli test will take place on the Tuesday following F1's season finale at Yas Marina, with all teams entering two cars and splitting duties between race drivers in one car and rookies in the other.

AlphaTauri confirmed in Mexico that Nyck de Vries will switch to his new team for the Abu Dhabi test, while Pierre Gasly will make his debut with Alpine following Red Bull agreeing to releasing the Frenchman from his contractual obligations.

Read also: Hamilton hits back at Alonso title value comment

While Alpine has accepted Alonso's early transfer to Aston, the Enstone squad still hasn't released Oscar Piastri to McLaren.

"I think our legal teams are discussing that now," said Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer in Mexico. "And I don't know. There'll be more next week, so ask me in Brazil."

According to Motorsport.com, Alonso will share the opening day of testing with new Aston teammate Lance Stroll.

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The 41-year-old will enjoy his second outing with Aston in Bahrain in February where he'll drive a 2022-spec AMR22 at another Pirelli test that will take place ahead of the official presentation of his team's 2023 contender and before three days of pre-season testing at Sakhir on February 23-25.

Finally, FIA Formula 2 champion and Aston junior Felipe Drugovich will be in action at Silverstone on Tuesday, the Brazilian kicking off his development programme with the team onboard last year's AMR21.

Drugovich will be required to complete 300 kms of mileage to be able to take part in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next month. The 22-year-old charger will also be on duty with Aston at the young driver test that will follow the race weekend at Yas Marina.

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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.