Ticktum out to prove a point in Macau

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Young gun Dan Ticktum hopes to cap off his season with a triumph at this weekend's prestigious Macau Grand Prix, and the Red Bull junior is off to a good start after clinching pole for Saturday's qualifying race.

Ticktum was defeated this season in the FIA European F3 Series by Mick Schumacher, a loss that set back his chances of graduating to F1 with Toro Rosso, the young Brit failing to secure the required number of points to qualify for F1's mandatory super-licence.

A win in Macau this weekend would boost his tally, but it would still fall short of the 40 points he would need to challenge for a race seat in F1 in the future.

As for his 2019 programme, Ticktum sees himself likely heading east, to the country of the rising sun where a year in Super Formula "is very, very likely"

"F2 is all budget dependent, and it is a struggle for Red Bull and my dad," said the 19-year-old

"That is unfortunately how mammoth the cost of F2 is at the moment. But you never know what happens, it all changes from one day to the next in motorsport.

"If I have a very good year next year I think I have a very good shot at Toro Rosso the year after," he added.

"So I just need to make sure I do everything right next year and iron out a few little creases that are left and I should be good."

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.