Ericsson Jr joins UK Formula 4 series

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Hampus Ericsson, the 15-tyear-old brother of Sauber's Marcus Ericsson is set to join the ranks of the Formula 4 Challenge Cup.

The series includes a 10-event schedule in the UK which caters to novices seeking to kick start their racing career on a limited budget.

Ericsson Jr will race for Fortec Motorsport, the team which Marcus Ericsson raced for when he started his career racing in the Formula BMW UK series in 2007.

"This year is very much a learning year," said Ericsson, who will be making his car-racing debut on April 15/16.

"It will be my first year racing in cars, but I like the idea of returning in 2018 to fight for the championship.

"At the moment I'm not looking too far ahead in my career beyond British F4.

"I need to take things one step at a time, but it would be nice to be overtaking my brother Marcus in a Formula 1 race one day."

Fortec boss and talent spotter Richard Dutton is impressed with what he's seen so far from the young teenager.

"For someone who'd never driven a car in his life he did a good job [in testing] at Valencia," Dutton told Autosport.

"Marcus will come over when he can, and it'll be great to see him because he started his career with us.

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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.