Aston Martin confirm Crawford for Abu Dhabi Young Driver test

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Aston Martin has announced that American development driver Jak Crawford will participate in the post-season Young Driver test in Abu Dhabi in December.

This outing will mark Crawford's first time behind the wheel of the team's AMR24, and follows a previous test in the outfit's AMR22 at the Red Bull Ring earlier this year.

Crawford currently competes with Dams in the FIA Formula 2 Championship – his second season in the series – and sits fifth in the standings with two rounds to go, in Lusail and at Yas Marina.

Ahead of this weekend's US Grand Prix in Austin, Crawford showcased his skills in a demo run in his hometown of Houston, Texas. As part of the Generation 3 launch with Aramco, he drove the AMR22 through various locations across the city.

Read also: Aston junior Crawford lights up Houston with epic street demo

“I'm excited about the opportunity to drive the AMR24 for the first time in Abu Dhabi,” commented the 18-year-old.

“I've spent lots of hours on the simulator back at the AMR Technology Campus, and I will be continuing this ahead of the test to make sure I am well prepared.

“Yas Marina is a circuit I know well, so hopefully this will help me get up to speed quickly.”

Aston Martin will soon announce who will be joining Crawford for the post-season Abu Dhabi Pirelli tire test.

“We're looking forward to giving Jak the opportunity to drive the AMR24 in Abu Dhabi as part of his role in the Aston Martin Aramco Young Driver Development programme,” said Aston team boss Mike Krack.

“He's already shown a high level of understanding in previous tests with us this year and I know he will be working hard in preparation for the test alongside competing in the final two rounds of the F2 Championship.”

As Crawford continues to impress and demonstrate his potential, his participation in these tests solidifies his position as a rising star within Team Silverstone's organization.

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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.