Ericsson working to secure IndyCar ride for 2019

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Marcus Ericsson is mulling a crossing of the Atlantic next season, the Swedish driver having confirmed that he is in talks with several teams regarding a potential IndyCar programme for 2019.

After four years with Sauber, Ericsson will be moving on from F1 at the end of the season although he has been offered a third driver role with the Swiss outfit.

However, the 28-year-old wants to keep on racing in 2019, and he is currently investigation several potential options, including IndyCar.

"The most attractive for me is IndyCar at the moment, so I’m looking at it," he said. "We’re talking to some teams there. I think it’s a realistic target."

Ericsson to stay at Sauber in 2019 - as third driver

Ericsson's target is to compete in a high-profile series that would enable him to remain active in order to aim for a possible comeback in F1 in 2020.

"I want to race at the highest level possible because I see myself coming back to Formula 1 in the future as well," Ericsson said.

"To be able to come back to Formula 1, I think I want to stay in single-seaters and I want to stay in fast cars.

"Looking at how it is at the moment in motorsport, for me, IndyCar is the one that is the best series to do that in."

On the subject of IndyCar, Ericsson said he had no inhibitions about undertaking a full programme that would include the series' daunting oval events.

"I’ve always looked at it and thought it would be really cool. Now I think the racing over there is amazing, it looks so much fun," added the Swede.

"When you speak to drivers or other people that are over there, they all seem to love it over there and say that the racing is great and the atmosphere is great and the series is really on the up.

"That’s also something that makes me quite interested in it."

According to motorsport website Racer, Carlin could represent a possible opportunity for Ericsson, the British IndyCar outfit having confirmed only Max Chilton for 2019, as American driver Charlie Kimball has yet to secure the funding to secure a drive with the team.

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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.