Drugovich in action with Aston on final day of testing

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Aston Martin has announced that it has opted to run reserve driver Felipe Drugovich on the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Drugovich will take part in the morning segment of Saturday's session while Fernando Alonso will conclude the team's test in the afternoon.

Aston Martin is still monitoring Lance Stroll's recovery from the cycling incident suffered by the Canadian last weekend in which he injured his hand and wrist, which forced him to pull out of this week's three-day test.

Read also: Aston Martin unsure about timing of Stroll's return

The team qualified Stroll's mishap as "minor" but has not offered any information about the place or circumstances of the 24-year-old's crash.

Aston is expected to make a final call early next week on Stroll's presence in next weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

Oddly, the team has assigned Drugovich to Saturday's morning session, which means that the Brazilian - should he substitute for Stroll next week - will have not experienced Bahrain's track under the late-day lower temperature conditions that will be in force on race day at Sakhir.

It's unclear if this should be interpreted as a positive sign for Stroll's chances of recouping his seat.

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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.