Celis gets FP1 run in place of Hulkenberg

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Force India has confirmed that test and reserve driver Alfonso Celis Jr will replace Nico Hulkenberg this Friday's Russian Grand Prix FP1.

The 19-year-old Mexican is contracted to Force India this season with seven Friday Grand Prix outings scheduled this year.

Celis already took part in a free practice session at Bahrain in place of Sergio Perez, so it appears Force India's regular drivers are taking turns in standing down.

Celis Jr is currently racing in the Formula V8 3.5 Series in which he lies ninth, having failed to score at least a podium finish up to now.

The Russian Grand Prix in Sochi will see two reserve drivers participate in Friday's morning session, with Celis joined by local boy Sergey Sirotkin driving for Renault.

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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.