Piastri had maiden outing with McLaren at Paul Ricard

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McLaren recruit Oscar Piastri reportedly enjoyed his first outing with his new team last week during a private two-day test with the Woking-based outfit at Paul Ricard.

Although the young Aussie's transfer from Alpine to McLaren has long been signed and sealed, it was believed that the Enstone squad had no intention of releasing its highly rated former hopeful ahead of time.

But according to France's Auto Hebdo, Piastri was in action with McLaren on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, which suggests that the two teams have reached an agreement regarding the 21-year-old F1 rookie's availability.

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According to Auto Hebdo's report, Piastri - who was suited in McLaren overalls but with all sponsors masked - warmed up on Le Castellet's short 3.6 km layout on his opening day of running before he was released on Paul Ricard's full Grand Prix circuit on Thursday.

Neither McLaren nor Alpine have confirmed Piastri's run, nor have any pictures of the test emerged on the internet.

After running Alex Palou in FP1 at Austin, McLaren is scheduled to entrust Lando Norris' MCL36 to Pato O'Ward in the opening practice session FP1 in Abu Dhabi next week as part of its mandatory young driver programme.

However, if Piastri has been released by Alpine from all his contractual obligations, the former F3 and F2 champion could take part in F1's post-season young driver test 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.