Sargeant in action with Williams in FP2 at Interlagos

Williams has handed Logan Sargeant an unexpected practice outing at this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

Sargeant currently sits third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with two races to go in Abu Dhabi next month.

Theoretically, that classification - if maintained - guarantees the points tally that would qualify the young American for the superlicence that he'll need to be able to race with Williams in F1 next season.

However, drivers who successfully complete 100km during a free practice session will be granted one additional point per Grand Prix weekend, as long as they do not pick up any licence penalty points.

Read also: Capito denies promoting Sargeant into F1 too soon

Therefore, as a matter of precaution, Williams handed its young gun FP1 outings in Austin and in Mexico. But red flags in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez limited Sargeant's mileage and that has compelled Williams to hand its driver an additional practice session in Brazil, despite the inclusion in next weekend's schedule of a sprint event.

Sargeant will take over Alex Albon's Williams in Saturday morning's second practice session in Sao Paulo.

"This is unusual for a Sprint Event and is more difficult than usual as Alex’s car will be in Parc Ferme during FP2," explained Dave Robson, Williams' Head of Vehicle Performance.

"However, the experience that Logan will get is invaluable, and giving him another opportunity is a good investment in his future.

"He did an excellent job in Austin and Mexico City, and we are confident that he will do so again despite the unusual weekend format."

Sargeant is also scheduled to run with Williams in FP1 in Abu Dhabi, while he'll also take part in F1's post-season young driver test at Yas Marina as part of his F1 preparations for 2023.

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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.