Racing Point to hold 2019 launch event in Toronto

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Racing Point Force India has announced on Twitter that it will hold a launch event presenting the team's 2019 season at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto on February 13.

With the event taking place in Canada just a week before pre-season testing kicks off in Barcelona, it's unlikely Racing Point will pull the covers off its 2019 charger at the venue, more likely just presenting its partners for next year's campaign with the help of a revamped livery on its 2018 VJM11.

The Silverstone-based outfit which is undergoing transformation under the guidance of its main owner, Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, is expected to retain major sponsor BWT, the Austrian water company that has given the outfit its pink colors in the past two seasons.

Perez untroubled by Lance Stroll's link to Racing Point owners

The team was entered into the 2019 FIA F1 World Championship under the Racing Point F1 banner but team boss Otmar Szafnauer recently indicated that another name change is in the works and should take effect before the season formally kicks off in Melbourne on March 17.

Racing Point's lineup will include 28-year-old Sergio Perez, who will compete with the team for a sixth consecutive season, and 20-year-old Lance Stroll who will undertake his third season of Grand Prix racing after running for two years with Williams.

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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.