Ericsson prepping for strong Spanish weekend with Sauber

Marcus Ericsson is hopeful of a good showing in Barcelona this weekend, a venue the Sauber driver knows well and where he delivered some good performances in the past.

The Swede has yet to score a top-ten finish at the Circuit de Catalunya, but the track holds some good memories from his days in GP2.

"Off to our first European race this season – round five, in Barcelona," said Ericsson.

"It almost feels like my home track, as it is the one I have probably driven the most in Formula 1 so far and it is a circuit that I really enjoy going back to.

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"I have always been strong there, with a pole position in GP2, and some good results in Formula 1," he added.

"It has a good mix of all different types of corners, and a very technical last sector that can make or break a lap in qualifying, as well as race stints."

Ericsson has already delivered a points-scoring result to his team this season, finishing P9 in Bahrain.

That achievement as well as Charles Leclerc's impressive performance in Baku, where the Monegasque came home a remarkable sixth, suggest some good prospects for Sauber in Barcelona.

But Ericsson will likely also get a boost from the strong Swedish contingent that traditionally makes the trip to Southern Europe.

"There are usually quite a lot of Swedish fans who come to support, which makes it even more special for me, and gives me an extra boost to have a good weekend," he confirmed.

"I can’t wait to get out to Barcelona."

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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.