Ericsson suits up with his new IndyCar colors

40

Marcus Ericsson is all suited and booted for his new endeavor: a season of IndyCar racing!

After five years of Formula 1, the Swede has headed west to America where he hopes to discover greener pastures with the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports outfit in IndyCar.

The team conducted its unveiling yesterday in Denver, showcasing the black and gold colors that will adorn this season the Dallara-Honda cars of Ericsson and team mate James Hinchcliffe.

Ericsson's grand debut driving the #7 SPM-Honda will take place on March 10 on the streets of St. Petersburg in Florida.

"When I got the news I was not continuing in F1 I looked at other options and IndyCar was something I had followed for many years and the series has got a lot of momentum, great drivers and teams," said Ericsson.

"It was a series I was interested in. I got in touch with SPM and we went from there, it's been super exciting joining the team and being made to feel welcome.

"Everything is new, not only the team, but the tracks and the country. I have great team-mates and people I can lean on.

"James is an awesome guy, very experienced too. I've asked him a lot of things about driving the car, also Robbie [Wickens] about IndyCar and they're helping me get up to speed."

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.