Hamilton sidelined for Barcelona tyre test

Lewis Hamilton will not driving today at Barcelona on the second and final day of Pirelli's scheduled test run of its 2017-spec wide tyres.

Mercedes has said that the Brit, who was initially scheduled to drive yesterday before team mate Nico Rosberg took over, is currently suffering from a minor foot injury and has been replaced by test-driver Pascal Wehrlein.

"Lewis had some discomfort in his foot after training on Tuesday," said a Mercedes spokesman.

"It was agreed he wouldn't test so he could rest it and get physio to be in good shape for Austin [the United States Grand Prix on October 23], which he will be."

Rain hinders Rosberg's first test with 2017 Pirelli tyres

Pirelli's has entrusted Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull with putting the wider tyre through its paces, with each team supplying modified 2015-spec cars and testing at different venues.

Red Bull will resume Pirelli's 2017-spec testing of slick tyres schedule at Abu Dhabi at the end of this week.

The final validation test which will include all three teams shall also take place at Abu Dhabi on November 29.

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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.