A new Italian F1 team wants to join the fray

Italy has a new Formula 1 endeavour to look forward to after Serbian businessman Zoran Stefanovic announced an effort to join the grid in 2019.

If the name doesn't sound familiar, Stefanovic was the man behind Stefan GP, an ill-fated attempt to set up an F1 team back in 2010 by taking over Toyota's assets when the Japanese manufacturer pulled out of the sport.

Stefanovic was denied an entry by the FIA however back then.

The Serb is in the Austrian GP paddock this weekend and scheduled to meet with F1 sporting manager Ross Brawn to give him the skinny on his latest attempt to join the exclusive Grand Prix grid.

Stefanovic has apparently set up shop in Parma and hired former Ferrari and Williams designer Enrique Scalabroni to help put together a bona fide outfit.

"I am here to meet Ross Brawn because I am setting up an F1 team based in Italy," Stefanovic told Motorsport.com.

"Before coming to Austria I've put together some very important agreements: I defined that it will be based in Parma, which is located at a reasonable distance from the wind tunnel.

"I've also signed a contract with a specialist in aerodynamics to help work on the project."

Both Ross Brawn and FIA President Jean Todt revealed recently that there have been a number of inquiries from parties interested in joining F1 in the future, although only serious candidates offering all the proper guarantees will be taken into consideration.

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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.