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Vettel crashes at Fiorano during Pirelli test day

Pirelli started its first day of wet tyre testing with Ferrari at Fiorano but running was cut short when Sebastian Vettel crashed at the outset of the test.

In a bid to test and improve its 2017 wet weather tyres and compound , Pirelli has scheduled a series of specific sessions with Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull.

The first test was scheduled today at Fiorano with the Scuderia using a mule-car to monitor Pirelli's tyres.

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Vettel apparently lost control of the Ferrari on warm-up lap, hitting the barriers head-on but fortunately with no damage to himself. It is unsure whether the car can be repaired as Ferrari assesses the damage.

Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi was scheduled to take over from the four-time world champion on Friday, but given Vettel's shorten run it will be up to the German to decide whether he wishes to continue testing tomorrow.

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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.