AlphaTauri to run Iwasa in F1 end-of-season test at Yas Marina

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Red Bull and Honda protégé Ayumu Iwasa will make his F1 debut next week in Abu Dhabi with AlphaTauri when the young Japanese driver takes to the track for F1’s end-of-season test.

Iwasa is currently third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship ahead of the series finale at Yas Marina.

Although the 22-year-old is still in contention for the title, his 39-point deficit to leader Theo Pourchaire leaves him with only a remote chance of overhauling the ART Grand Prix charger.

To clinch the title, Iwasa must secure wins in both the Sprint and Feature races, along with pole position and both fastest laps, while hoping his French rival doesn't score.

Read also: AlphaTauri set for 2024 identity change and new sponsors

Next Tuesday, Iwasa will enjoy a full day of testing at Yas Marina at the wheel of AlphaTauri’s AT04.

The Faenza-based outfit will also field a second car dedicated to Pirelli tyre testing, with Daniel Ricciardo handling the morning session and Yuki Tsunoda taking the wheel in the afternoon.

Following the test, Iwasa is set to return to Japan to embark on his Super Formula journey in 2024, marking his first season competing on home soil since 2019.

Having competed in Europe since 2020, Iwasa claimed the French F4 title in 2020, finished 12th in F3 in 2021, and secured fifth place in F2 in 2022.

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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.