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Sauber launches junior team in partnership with Charouz

Sauber Motorsport has initiated a young driver development programme in collaboration with GP3 and F2 outfit Charouz Racing System.

In the past, the Swiss outfit has often worked with Ferrari, offering members of the Scuderia's Driver Academy - like Charles Leclerc and Antonio Giovinazzi - a path to F1.

Sauber will now have its own junior programme, working in partnership with Charouz, which from 2019 will include participation of its selected drivers in the FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, ADAC Formel 4 Championship and the Italian F4 Championship.

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"Racing is a vital part of Sauber Motorsport’s DNA and the Sauber Junior Team marks an important milestone in the company history," said Sauber F1 team boss Fred Vasseur.

"Sauber has a long tradition of helping drivers reach their full potential, having worked with the likes of Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and upcoming star Charles Leclerc.

"With this project, Sauber further extends its racing platform with a complete and dedicated programme from the junior series to the pinnacle of motorsport.

"We are delighted to partner with Charouz Racing System, a highly professional team that operates with success in all the series."

Sauber's line-up in F1 next season will include Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen, while the Hinwil squad is also offering its support to test driver Tatiana Calderon.

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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.