McLaren appoints Bob Fernley as IndyCar president

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McLaren has announced that former Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley has been hired to lead the team's 2019 IndyCar programme, with immediate effect.

Fernley has been forced to step down last summer from his management role at Force India following the outfit's takeover by a consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll.

A hard-working and experienced figure in F1, Fernley moves on to a new chapter of his motorsport career in tandem with McLaren.

Brown: McLaren to create 'whole new team' for Indy 500

The 51-year-old will report directly to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, and "build and lead a technical team entirely focused on the 2019 Indy 500, while helping to evaluate the feasibility of a longer-term McLaren involvement in IndyCar".

"Bob is a fantastic operator and someone I respect greatly," said Brown.

"His experience and leadership will be essential for us on this project. He is particularly talented at putting effective teams together and extracting maximum performance with finite resources.

"The Indy 500 is no easy race and Bob’s is a key role, so I’m delighted he’s on board."

Fernley admitted he had a big task ahead, but the new McLaren IndyCar president is determined to succeed.

"Heading back to The Brickyard will be a very special experience for me and I am proud to be leading this McLaren project and team," said Fernley.

"The 500 is a hell of a challenge and we have incredibly strong competitors to overcome if we’re to be successful. We will need to prepare well for the month of May and that work starts now."

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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.