Eleventh F1 team APXGP is up and running at Silverstone!

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Race fans who made the trip to Silverstone on Thursday morning and who were trackside had the privilege of getting a first glance at Formula 1's new contender, APX GP.

The mock-up F1 car – designed on the basis of an F2 machine – was lapping the circuit as filming for the Hollywood blockbuster - temporarily named 'APEX' - starring Brad Pitt got underway.

APEX production crews have been provided with their own pitlane garage and pit wall - conveniently positioned between Ferrari and Mercedes for maximum exposure - to house the fictional F1 outfit, with filming expected to take place across the British Grand Prix weekend, out on the track and in the paddock.

Pitt, who plays veteran F1 driver Sonny Hayes who comes out of retirement to help his young teammate Joshua Pearce – played by British actor Damson Idris – defeat adversity and his rivals in his attempt to win the world championship.

Read also: Brad Pitt joins the grid at Silverstone!

Lewis Hamilton has a hand in the film's production which was put together by 'Top Gun' alumni Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski. And Mercedes, through its AMG brand, as well as several of its sponsors enjoy a prominent presence on the APXGP machine.

It's unclear who was at the wheel of the car this morning, but Brad Pitt was in the paddock.

F1 has set aside several track sessions for APXGP that will be slotted in over the course of the weekend between F1 and supporting categories' own events.

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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.