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Ericsson heads west to IndyCar for 2019 with SPM!

Sauber's Marcus Ericsson who will be ending his five-year stint in F1 at the end of the year has found refuge in IndyCar for 2019.

Ericsson will race alongside Canadian James Hinchcliffe for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports on a full-time basis next season, replacing the injured Robert Wickens who was the victim of a horrendous crash at Pocono back in August.

"It's a great honor to be picked as one of the drivers at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and IndyCar for the 2019 season," said Ericsson.

"It feels like a perfect step for me and my career after five years in F1.

"I can't wait to start work with SPM and all the people in the team which I've heard a lot of good things about.

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"They've had some great success over the years, and I'm looking forward to working hard to continue and improve on that path," he added.

"The racing in IndyCar looks great and I feel really excited to be part of it in the future. It will be a lot to learn including new tracks, oval racing, etc.

"I know it won't be easy, but it's a challenge I'm very much looking forward to and I can't wait to get started."

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Indeed, Ericsson will have his work cut out for him when he learns the rope of oval racing, its skills and special demands, but team owner Sam Schmidt is positive on his new recruit's prospects.

"Ric [Peterson] and I are excited to welcome Marcus to the team. He has a ton of experience racing in the top levels of motorsports, so we believe that he will be able to contribute to our development program that began in earnest in 2018," said Schmidt.

"While the circuits on the IndyCar schedule will be brand new to him, particularly the ovals, we have a lot of confidence and trust in his eagerness to learn along with his work ethic.

"We think he and James [Hinchcliffe] will be a good fit to push one another and fight for those wins."

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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.