Porsche puts LMP1 drivers on its Formula E shortlist

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Porsche will look in priority within its own ranks when it chooses its driver line-up for its endeavor into Formula in 2019/20.

The German manufacturer will keep all six of its LMP1 drivers under contract and offer them race programmes for next season although Brendon Hartley is likely to continue racing for Toro Rosso in 2018.

"The idea is that we will continue the history that we have built up with these guys in the next programme," explained Porsche's LMP1 team principal Andreas Seidl.

Seidl indicated however that while Porsche would look in-house first, there will be no guarantees that its two future FE drivers would be chosen from its pool of contracted drivers.

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The German also said that André Lotterer and Neel Jani's current Formula E deals, respectively with Techeetah and Dragon Racing, would not necessarily provide either driver with a right of way, or push them to the top of Porsche's list.

Porsche has yet to provide details on how its entry into Formula E shall be structured, with either an independent works effort or a partnership with an existing team under consideration.

Several of the marque's engineers were present recently at Formula E's pre-season test in Valencia, working alongside members of Jay Penske's Dragon Racing outfit, although the affiliation was not deemed as official by Seidl.

"We had guys in that garage [Dragon's] and we were looking around other garages, too," he explained.

"We used Valencia as an opportunity to have a first look and get an idea of what Formula E is, so that once this season is finished we can create a new structure. Everything is open at the moment."

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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.