F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Drugovich enjoys first F1 test with Aston Martin

Aston Martin 2023 reserve Felipe Drugovich enjoyed his F1 baptism of fire last week at Silverstone where the young Brazilian completed more than 300km of testing onboard the team's AMR21.

The FIA Formula 2 Champion put enough laps under his belt at the wheel of last year's car to fulfil F1's Superlicence requirements, which will allow him to take part in FP1 with the Aston team next week in Abu Dhabi.

Drugovich is also earmarked to drive in the post-season test at Yas Marina on Tuesday, Noovember 22nd.

portrait, Silverstone Circuit, F12210a, F1, GP, Great Britain Felipe Drugovich tests the Aston Martin AMR21
portrait, Silverstone Circuit, F12210a, F1, GP, Great Britain Felipe Drugovich tests the Aston Martin AMR21
action, Silverstone Circuit, F12210a, F1, GP, Great Britain Felipe Drugovich tests the Aston Martin AMR21

"It is amazing to have my first experience of a Formula One car. I learned a huge amount and we did all the necessary work and mileage to be ready for Abu Dhabi," commented the 22-year-old.

"The weather was a bit tricky, but we did quite a few laps on the dry tyres before running on the wet tyres at the end of the day. The performance of the car was so impressive: the smoothness of the gearshifts, for example, and the lateral grip means you can carry so much speed into the corners.

"I really enjoyed the day; it was my first chance to start working properly with the team at the track. Big thanks to everybody who made it possible."

Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack said that Drugovich was "on the pace" from the outset of the test at Silverstone.

"Felipe did an excellent job during his Silverstone test session," said Krack. "He quickly adapted to the car and the changing conditions, and was on the pace after just a handful of laps.

"It is always exciting to see a young driver complete their first laps in a Formula One car and Felipe really made the most of the opportunity.

"He is an intelligent driver, worked well with the engineering team, and impressed us with his professionalism, performance and feedback."

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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.

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